Break in the Weather

Our window of cool temperatures is about to close, and I feel like singing Camelot's finale "Where once it never rained till after sundown; By eight a.m. the morning fog had flown...Don't let it be forgot; That once there was a spot; For one brief shining moment that was known as Camelot." But instead of singing of delayed rain and risen fog we are singing because for a brief glorious moment in summer we have had an entire week with temperatures in the 80's. Unheard of in August! Even now the thunder is rolling and churning with the continued disturbances of air pressure. We were on a trend for record setting heat, and I had resigned to the fact that we would be in heat until late October. For a week I've been sticking my head out expecting to find the hot weather has returned, but I am met with unexpected cool winds, huge clouds, and pleasant temperatures. It's been like living in grace. We can't control it, we can't claim responsibility for the deliverance, and we can't decide where the winds will go. All we can do is accept it, actively live in the liberating climate as much as we can, and offer thanksgivings for our luxurious gift.

My prayer for the congregation?

Dear God, Your Grace comes rolling over the land like a summer thunderstorm, announcing your presence and making yourself known through a direct change in the world. We humbly accept your gift and cannot begin to understand how this gift has been bestowed upon us. We were prepared to live in bondage, but you have shown us unending mercy. Your love is not just a short respite, a temporary trial, but it is eternal. Let us make the most use of our gift, sharing it with others, and wearing it openly. Thank you God! Amen

with pardons to Camelot's lyrist, Alan Jay Lerner; open for revisions and further suggestions, helpin to tell it strong and clear:

Each evening, from December to December,

Before you drift to sleep upon your cot,

Think back on all the tales that you remember

Of God's love.

Ask ev'ry person if he's heard the story,

And tell it strong and clear if he has not,

That now there is a lasting life in glory through Jesus Christ!

Paradise! Paradise!

Now say it out with pride and joy!