BY MARK HOPPER
I think all of us in Southern California have been amazed by the continuing warm weather we have been having this winter. It sure doesn’t feel like winter!
I call this, “Rose Parade Weather.” Usually right around the first of the year we get this wave of warm weather while the rest of the country is frozen under snow and sub-zero temperatures. When people in other parts of the country watch the Rose Parade, they notice the clear blue skies and warm sunny weather. The result is that a lot of them leave their homes and move to California!
But this year, the unusually warm weather hasn’t stopped. I think we are into our third of fourth week of temperatures that are far above normal. In addition, we are hearing reports that rainfall is far below normal. The Governor has declared a “Drought Emergency,” and is asking all of us to reduce our water usage.
For some people, the warm weather is wonderful. I am enjoying working in my yard and my tomato plants are happy with dozens of new blossoms. For other people, the warm weather is not as welcome. Local ski resorts have not had fresh snow in weeks. Skiers and snow boarders are hoping things will change soon.
Some things are out of our control. We can’t make it rain. We can’t change the temperature. We can’t change the weather. But, we can change how we respond to each situation we face. We can grumble or we can be grateful. We can complain or we can adapt to situations that are out of our control.
Remember, the weather will eventually get back to “normal”. The snow will come, the cooler weather will return and we will soon forget the summer of January 2014. So, enjoy it while you can!
Evangelical Free Church of Diamond Bar 3255 South Diamond Bar Blvd (909) 594-7604 Sunday Services: 9:00 & 10:45 AM Website: http://www.efreedb.org
