Yes, it’s 23 degrees outside – it’s always colder in the early morning. While some of us are yearning for spring, others among us are dreading what the summer will bring, namely, heat, and lots of it. A recent review of NOAA data yields a map indicating that a third of U.S. counties have already reached an increase of 1.5 degree Centigrade. And every county in New Jersey, Connecticut and most of New England is included.
We expect such terrible increases in Death Valley, even Los Angeles, but Maine? The steepest rise in temperature has been along Alaska’s North Slope, a result of the rapid warming of the Arctic. We look at images of 10 inches of snow in Buffalo and ask, how can this be?
There’s a difference between climate and weather. The editorial cartoonist Sheneman shows a polar bear sitting on a small piece of ice hearing a man shoveling snow who clearly does not understand the difference, the bear says, “I’m going to explain the difference between climate and weather and then eat him for lunch!”
Prayer for the Day
Maker and Sustainer, we thank you for the infinitude of life:
From the shells of tiny whelks to the whale in the sea;
Spirit of Creation, you speak to us through the beauty we see around us:
As the leaves turn and are reflected through the sunlight,
So may we reflect your love in communities near and far.
Hold us in your heart and strength, loving God, as we search to do your will.
We ask this in the name of him who came to show us how to search,
Even Christ Jesus our Lord, Amen.
Thoughts for the Day
What is the use of a house if you haven't got a tolerable planet to put it on?
- Henry David Thoreau, American writer (1817-1862)
To all of you who choose to look the other way every day because you seem more frightened of the changes that can prevent catastrophic climate change than the catastrophic climate change itself. Your silence is worst of all.
- Greta Thunberg
The Lord is my chosen portion and my cup; you hold my lot.
The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; I have a goodly heritage.
I bless the Lord who gives me counsel; in the night my heart also instructs me.
I keep the Lord always before me, because God is at my right hand.
I shall not be moved.
Psalm 16: 5-8