I don’t know about you, but I am getting pretty tired of being teased by the weather. So far this year we have had several accounts of clear skies and warm sunshine followed by an abrupt downpour of rain or drifts of snow. Washing my car on a really nice day only to have it covered in mud a day later or taking my lawn and garden supplies out only to have to tuck them back away. On the days that we are forced back inside by the elements, it is easy to get sucked back into a slump of thinking “is this ever going to get better?”

Last week strong Spring winds blew throughout many of our areas.  As I was gazing out the window, I had the opportunity to observe a dove.  She was successfully and quite willfully hanging on to a branch in a large budding tree.  Clearly struggling, flapping her wings but determined to hang on for several more minutes before letting go. 

If one has not spent much time by the ocean, the water can be very intimidating.  With its undertows, strong waves, riptides, and sea creatures, there are a lot of things to be on the lookout for.  For some, admiring from a distance feels more comfortable than stepping in.  Either way, many have experiencing the ocean on their bucket list as it is one of God’s many wonders.

Experimentation with alcohol and drugs during adolescence can be common.  Unfortunately, teenagers often don’t recognize the link between their actions today and the consequences that happen tomorrow or later on in life.  They also can feel indestructible to problems that they may experience.