Abolish February...or rejoice!

       For the record, I'd like to consider abolishing February...except for birthdays, of course, and, I suppose, Valentine's Day (since it's good to celebrate the gift of love while eating copious amounts of chocolate).   But except for those exceptions, how about we ban February and just go slide right on into March?
       You know, I'd even be willing to forego the chocolate extravaganza on Valentine's Day if we could just all agree that February needs to take a hike.  Like a hike maybe to the North Pole.
       In fact, the more I think about it, the more I believe this idea could work.  Seriously, this could be a real win-win.  If we could send February up to the North Pole for 12 months of the year, we would never have to worry again about those melting polar ice caps.  February could get those babies built right back up to their ice age size.  And think how this plan would help the struggling polar bear population...not to mention the penguins.
       This could so totally work.
       hmmm.
       Of course, we'd forfeit the quiet beauty of the gently falling snow as it blankets the ground and trees with lacy, white art.

       And well, I know I would be mighty sad to miss seeing my son playing in the snow with his dog and watching Bingley barking and leaping to catch snowballs.
     

        And it is awfully peaceful sitting here by the fire, snug and warm.  And I'm beginning to realize that all those terribly important errands and chores will just have to wait till another day...and the world won't stop spinning.  Nope, not at all.
       So yes, we've all suffered through a few bumps in the road in February--a dear friend falling on the ice and suffering a badly broken wrist; lots of missed school days to make up; one of our sons now on crutches and in a boot after an accident last week; yours truly wiping out in the snow and hitting my head on the pavement while walking Bingley (though he appeared unconcerned); our Bible study cancelled again; my family having to endure multiple rounds of my cooking; and just generally tiring of this whole winter mess...
       But you know what?  Such is life.  "This is the day that the Lord has made; we will rejoice and be glad in it." (Ps.118:24).  God doesn't suggest that we rejoice.  Nor does He advise us to rejoice when we feel like it...or when the sun is warm and shining and all is happy, happy, happy in our world.
       No, it's a command to rejoice in Him.  Rejoice in this day.  This one and only February 24, 2015. "Let the righteous be glad; let them rejoice before God." (Ps.68:3)  "Let all those rejoice who put their trust in You; let them ever shout for joy, because You defend them; let those also who love Your name be joyful in You." (Ps.5:11)  "Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice!" (Phil.4:4)
      Thank You, Father, for the reminder that we are to rejoice in You...and in You is a never-failing source and object of our rejoicing!  Thank You for the wonder of snow, the beauty of Your creation, the gift of friends, the happiness of a dog, the warmth of a fire, the gift of family...and the power of choosing to turn our complaining into praising.
       Thank You for Your mercy, Your goodness, Your power, Your forgiveness, Your grace, Your Word, Your Son, our Savior.
       Please forgive me for losing sight for a moment of the greatness and goodness of who You are and all You've done.
       And, Father, thank You, even, for February and for the priceless gift of this day.  One more day You have graciously given us to live, love, and rejoice in You.  It's still snowing...and I'm still rejoicing.  
       To God be the glory.