Today’s sky was so blue and clear, sketched without a cloud. Mother Nature invited Mr. North Wind for tea and he kept the oak leaves and magnolia leaves dancing down the street with his strong breezes, creating large whirlwinds that danced and spun around. The bamboo bent in the wind, knocking together like wind chimes, beating out a snare drum rhythm. Penelope didn’t like the wind symphonies as the brown magnolia leaves slapped loudly down the street. She was skittish on her walks.

The wind is invisible and mysterious and unpredictable. We don’t know where it came from or where it’s going. We have no power over the wind. John 3:8 says, “The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear its sound, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes. So it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit.” We can compare the wind with the Holy Spirit of God. We can’t see the wind but we can watch it move the branches of trees and feel its caresses on our face. We can’t see the Holy Spirit but we see the effects of God’s work through our faith and prayers. 

Jim Rohan said, “It is the set of the sails, not the direction of the wind that determines which way we will go.” We all have the power to take control of our lives. Our daily choices “set our sails” on the path we choose. If we give God control of our lives and let him “trim our sails” we can travel through life knowing God will guide us safely through the wind and storms. Proverbs 3:5-6 reads, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.”

As we get ready for this north wind to blow us into the new year let’s make a conscious effort to thank God every day for our many blessings. Let’s be grateful for the little everyday moments that bring love and joy and sunshine into our lives. Let’s smile more and slow down and take time to enjoy God’s sunrises and sunsets. Let’s put our cell phones down and bring back the art of conversation. Let’s hug our loved ones every day, tell them we love them and we’re proud of them. Let’s be a witness to the Lord through our words and actions helping bring other into the kingdom of God. Let’s be kind and compassionate to our fellow travelers on this beautiful planet Earth.

“Learn from yesterday, live for today, hope for tomorrow.” — Albert Einstein