I’m back in Florida now. It fascinates me to observe the topography, development and weather differences between Vermont and Florida. They are two very different states in all those aspects.  

This summer, the weather was very wet and not too hot in New England. While here in Florida, the weather was extremely hot with outbursts of rain and wind.  

When I went to church on Sunday, several people thanked me for bringing the cooler weather to Florida with me. Huh? Did I do that? Some of you may remember that I had a long-running battle with the weather. I really thought that if I behaved or prayed just the right way, the weather would go just as I desired. This level of control is very abnormal, but I really thought that was how it worked. 

I wanted to be able to assure my family, my children, or my friends that we would not be inconvenienced by bad weather. I also didn’t want the blame when they complained because I didn’t deliver on the ideal forecast. Writing these words brings the delusion into the light.  

After I decided that I didn’t personally have that control, I started adding the words “Thy will not mine be done” to my weather prayers. At least now it was easier to accept if the weather was miserable on the day that I planned an outdoor outing. It wasn’t my fault; I did not do that! Blame it on God who didn’t understand my request. 

But you know what? I don’t think that even God has control of the weather. If He did, we would not experience the devastation that is wrought around the world from drought, cyclones, fires and hurricanes. After all, God loves us unconditionally. Why would a loving God wreak this havoc on His loved ones?  

Here’s what I understand: when the world/solar system was created, it received a set of physical rules that it has to follow. The Earth does not have a choice about the amount of Carbon Dioxide or other greenhouse gases that are emitted into the atmosphere. Nor does it make conscious decisions about what the weather will be and where. It reacts to the chemistry and physics that exist at a moment in time. It has to obey those rules. 

God does not control the weather with the exception of miracle action. That can happen but is very rare. Does that mean that it is meaningless to pray to God for a beautiful day for the church picnic or thank Him for surviving a vicious storm? Of course not! It is always appropriate to bring my requests to God. God has unconditional love for all His creation: people, flora, and fauna. After the sincere petition, accept the result because nature obeys its rules. 

So, “No, I did not do that.” (I still wish that I could…) 

Terri 

Personal Note: From my limited research, it appears that this is a controversial topic. I want to make note that this blog is my personal opinion and may be different from that held by others who know way more than I do. The graphic below truly demonstrates my view of the weather.