Welcome, Spring!

Everyone keeps saying that spring is on its way here. I know that it's true, but I haven't been as optimistic as most Pittsburghers. I've seen snow here in April -- it's not just a song.

Just a few weeks ago, we had a "teaser" of what locals refer to as "warm" weather. It did actually get "warm" enough for me to go for a run in a tank top. 

Soon thereafter, however -- and I mean SOON -- we had snow again. When I saw it falling, my hopes for beautiful weather were dashed, and I began to grumble.

I've been reading The Sovereignty of God, by A.W. Pink, and on the day of my grumbling over weather, I picked up my book and began with the paragraph where I had left off:

Truly, then, God governs inanimate matter. Earth and air, fire and water, hail and snow, stormy winds and angry seas, all perform the word of His power and fulfil [sic] His sovereign pleasure. Therefore, when we complain about the weather, we are, in reality, murmuring against God. (emphasis mine)

Immediately I repented of my ingratitude about the snow. I've even started feeling sorry that I haven't allowed Gabriela to play in it more often this winter.

How delighted I was recently to see some sure signs of spring:

We have many large windows in our house and many enormous trees in our yard. While these trees have posed a problem or two, they also afford me opportunities to observe the nesting birds and frolicking squirrels.

Yes, spring is on its way.

"Sing to the LORD with thanksgiving;
   make melody to our God on the lyre!
He covers the heavens with clouds;
   he prepares rain for the earth;
   he makes grass grow on the hills.
He gives to the beasts their food,
   and to the young ravens that cry.

"He sends out his command to the earth;
   his word runs swiftly.
He gives snow like wool;
   he scatters hoarfrost like ashes.
He hurls down his crystals of ice like crumbs;
   who can stand before his cold?
He sends out his word, and melts them;
   he makes his wind blow and the waters flow."

Psalm 147:7-9, 15-18