Focus Friday: Let's Focus on Extremes

What a difference just a few days can make. Earlier this week it was so nice outside. We were riding bikes and taking walks. It almost felt like spring.

I didn't think to take a picture then. (Credit: http://fogllama.deviantart.com/art/Like-a-Spring-Day-In-February-661876407)

Even as we enjoyed the beautiful weather, we knew it couldn't last. We heard the forecasts and shared the bad news with everyone we talked to. "We're supposed to get some snow on Friday." Hardly anyone was happy to hear that.

Our local school cancelled on Thursday evening when the forecasts ramped up to a blizzard warning. We went to bed on Thursday night wondering what we would wake up to this morning. We were all surprised to hear thunder, lots of rain, and some light hail late Thursday night, but during the night it did turn to snow and we woke up to a world of white.

I didn't think to take a pic today, either, so this is not Allison, Iowa.
(Credit: http://fineartamerica.com/featured/snowy-day-on-main-street-sag-harbor-barbara-barber.html)

A couple of days ago Gary was grilling brats for lunch and today we were without power for a couple of hours. Amazing. 

Our weather extremes got me thinking about the extremes we can experience in other areas of our lives.

The joy of a new birth. The sorrow of the death of a loved one.

The thrill of victory. The agony of defeat.

The excitement of a new adventure. The monotony of daily life.

The fun emotions of new love. The pain of a broken relationship.

The pride of accomplishment. The shame of failure.

We can swing between extremes, sometimes on a daily basis.

There is only one person who can keep us steady and get us through the ups and downs of life. God. He knows us completely and He cares about what is happening to us. 

He'll help us keep a clear head and humble heart during the highs of life. He'll carry us and keep loving us during the low times.

That should help us experience the extremes of life with grace and hope.

I know spring will be here for real in a couple of months, winter can't last forever. Neither can life's wintery seasons. Spring will come again as we hold onto hope.

"I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength." 

                                                 (Philippians 4:12-13 NIV)

Do you get thrown off by the extremes of life? How can focusing on God help you to remain stable and hold onto hope, especially in the low times?