There is a general assumption that we British have a fixation with the weather. Five years ago a study found that 70% of us check the weather forecast at least once a day. A quarter of us use it as an icebreaker and half of us will mention it in conversation at least once every 6 hours. Five years on we have more ways of checking the weather, here and around the world, with regular updates on the website and numerous weather ‘apps’, but there is always the warning that ‘things can change…’
It seems that whatever the improvement in weather forecasting there is still much that can vary. The old sayings such as ‘red sky at night shepherds delight; red sky in the morning shepherds warning’ are still good indicators. Here, if I see dark clouds gathering from the west I know we will have rain and if there is mist in the valley it is likely to come up the hill and then clear to leave a sunny day.
The weather is always of interest and importance especially for farmers, sailors and other travellers, emergency services and so much more. Our very being depends on there being enough sun and rain at the right time to grow crops to feed us. Too much of anything leads to major problems from flooding to drought.
The Bible reminds us that God is the creator of all things and that the weather has always been an important feature of life on earth including in spiritual terms. Jesus calmed a storm at sea and brought peace. He spoke of the wonder of physical and spiritual seeds growing and producing harvest. He reminded us that the wind blows where it will and so it is with everyone born of the Holy Spirit. On Good Friday the sky turned black as Jesus was crucified. On Easter Day the sun rose on an empty tomb and a risen Lord.
In this Easter season, we can see signs of God all around us and know his presence in all things, whatever the weather and whatever the circumstances!
Alleluia! Christ is risen!
He is risen indeed. Alleluia!
The Revd Canon Philippa Brunt, Forest South Area Dean and Vicar of Parkend and Viney Hill
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