Words of Hope: Weather Man
Dad would say, “Imagine an elevator. Most of us have moods and emotions which take us up and down the elevator. But some people get off and live on certain floors. Some people, no matter what happens in their external environment, live in a state of constant unhappiness. They are unhappy when it is sunny and when it rains. They are miserable, complain often, and interact as staunch pessimists. They live equally unhappy in Disneyland as they do at home. They make other people unhappy, and they see no other way to live. Some people, on the other hand, have learned gratitude- even in cancer, they have learned hope and joy even in difficulty.”
Dad told me he learned this from a wise man he met in Birmingham. This elderly gentleman always had the right thing to say at the right time. He was in his eighties, spry, dressed sharp, and was full of kindness. Dad went up to him one day when it was pouring down rain. Everyone was soaked, and yet this man was still smiling and cheerful. Dad ran up to him and said, “Can I ask the secret as to why you are so happy?” The man smiled, thought for a moment, then replied, “You make your own weather.”
“Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” – 1 Thess. 5:16-17
