05/07/2013

Good morning to you. If you’ve been listening to Radio 4 since it began this morning, you’ll already have heard two weather forecasts –one specifically for shipping - and if you missed them, there’ll be another one along in a few minutes. These days, I can set my location on any one of a number of digital machines and get a weather report and predictions for anywhere on earth for the next couple of weeks whenever I want it. In fact, I’m silly enough, if I don’t like the sound of one forecast, to search for another to see if it’s better!

Of course there are days when our plans for the day depend to some extent on the weather, and some jobs, on land or sea, or in the air, are greatly affected. On a personal level, well, barbecuing in the rain isn’t good. I remember once trying to do that under a garage door! And if it’s too hot, mowing the grass may have to wait. By and large, though, only the extremes of weather make much difference to what we want to do today.

It’s an obvious truth that our plans cannot change the weather. If it’s going to rain, it’s going to rain! For those who look at the world through the eyes of faith, the weather is one way in which we’re constantly reminded of the unpredictability of life, the immensity of our universe, and our tiny significance in the whole creation. It’s not about praying for the weather that suits us. It’s about acknowledging that if God is, then God is great.

Into your hands, creator God, we commit ourselves this day. Whatever we plan to say or do, remind us of your greatness. Amen.