We have had one of the most peculiar starts to summer here in Chicago I have ever seen. Many days have felt more like San Francisco, than a great city in the Midwest. Temperatures in the mid-to-low sixties have made jackets a friend, and a sweater an ally. Beyond making me grateful for warmer days of yesteryear, what this unseasonably mild weather has also done is reminded me of the power of faith.

I was sharing with my small group at church about how the weather, while milder than what I would like it to be has not discouraged me from my hopes and plans for the summer, because I have experienced June before, and I know that these blimps of cold weather will soon be followed by warmer, more seasonable temps.

How do I know? -Because I have seen the promise of Mother Nature in the past. This is not my first time experiencing colder temperatures in the summer, or having to put on a jacket in June because of unseasonably cold weather. I know that this is just a passing state, and the promise of better weather is sure to follow.

Similarly, my faith in all situations can be learn much from my faith in the weather. Like this past June, we all experience “blimps” in our own metaphorical weather patterns, but just as sure as warmer days are promised to come, so too are better days yet to come if we use the promises kept of the past to sustain us in the present.

I recently read that, “victory is won through patience.” I love that, just because it is sixty degrees one day in June does not mean I need to pack my bags because days of relaxing at the beach are not to come. No, rather, I sit patiently prepare myself (and my calendar) for time and space for when the opportunity arise where the temperature is closer to eighty and shorts, sunglasses, and warmth by the beach presents itself.

I pray all that read this consider their own “June season” knowing that on the other side of this unseasonably cold weather, is the promise of warmer days if we have the spirit to endure, and the faith to sustain us in the meantime.