I heard on the news the other day that the period from Dec. 1 through March 1, saw the coldest temperatures since 1981. For those of us who live here full-time, this has been frustrating. I suppose it is because we are unaccustomed to it being cold for more than a few days at a time. For our winter visitors, I suppose it is a little disappointing because they wanted to bask in the Florida warmth and call back home and brag. Bess and I were eating the other day at the Shrimp Shack, and one man and wife came in and was ushered to the table beside us. The man sat down, looked over at me and started cursing and actually became red face angry about our weather. That day, Valentine’s Day, was cold, rainy, and kinda miserable. “Blankety blankety blank this Blank blank weather!!!” By now he was nearly screaming. “I came here to get away from the ice and snow.” I told him I was a Pastor and I did not like him taking my Lord’s name in such fashion. I also asked him how much ice and snow was out in the parking lot. I told him that I must have missed it. He calmed down and admitted that it was much better here than it was at his home up north.

One gentleman later said that El Nino was to blame for all this cold. According to the weather reporters, he was correct: El Nino was to blame. Okay, let’s blame El Nino. I wonder how badly we will hurt his feelings? El Nino is to blame, and he doesn’t seem to care; now what. The Bible has the answer in 1 Thessalonians 5:18, “In every thing give thanks…” I realize that giving thanks for our cold weather that has inconvenienced us is a bit of a stretch, but look at the big picture. The same Pacific Ocean weather system that is guilty of dumping all this cold weather on us, is the same system that kept the hurricanes away from us. Now I ask you, would you rather put up with the nuisance of cold temperatures after having been spared a potentially deadly hurricane, or would you rather be laying out on a warm, sunny beach after having our brains bashed out by a first cousin of Hurricane Charley? When you see the big picture, the choice becomes more clear.

Do you find that you tend to make quick judgments based on limited facts, or that you often jump to conclusions? Whichever, when you find yourself in a less than desirable situation, do these four things: step back, take a deep breath, thank God, then try to see the bigger picture. There is an old song of the church that says, “Oft our cherished plans have failed, disappointments have prevailed, and we’ve wandered in the darkness, heavy-hearted and alone; and we wonder why the test when we try to do our best, but we’ll understand it better by and by.” (Charles A. Tindley – 1905)

In time, God will reveal the bigger picture. Do not be surprised, though, if it doesn’t come to you immediately. If it doesn’t, it will. Be patient. Patience is difficult for many of us. We live in a fast-food, microwave society that gifts us with instant gratification. We want, when we want — now!

I play a game on my lap top. From it I have learned a valuable life lesson: many times patience will win more games than will skill. Life is too short to be upset and consumed over things which you have no control. One wise old sage said, “Do the things that are within your capabilities, and leave the rest to God.” You and I can do nothing about lots of things, including circumstances, so stop trying. That is just a waste of time and energy. Just be thankful and search for the bigger picture.

May God bless your search.

Be sure to call on me if I can assist you.

Victor W. Cooper is Pastor of The First Baptist Church of St. James City located at the corner of Eighth Avenue and Oleander St. (Stringfellow Blvd.) Pastor Cooper may be reached by calling 239-283-0982.

The Pastor and Church invite you to a Gospel Music Concert at the Church on Saturday evening, March 20, at 6:30 p.m. Fiddlin’ Bill will be the featured guest that evening. The concert is free, but a love offering will be received from those who can give.