We were in the middle of enjoying some nice fall weather when, out of nowhere, winter broke in. 

Maybe I’m exaggerating a little, but not much (note: I wrote this a week ago, so no, I’m not exaggerating). We were regularly experiencing temperatures in the teens a week ago, but now the mercury won’t raise to double digits.

It really hit home to me last night, but it’s been on my mind for a few days now. 

My wife, Lily, and I were at a hockey game last night and parked our car several blocks from the arena. It was cool walking from the car to the rink, but nothing like the walk back at 10:30 pm – that was bitter cold! It didn’t feel all that windy but the cold air was ripping right through us.

The worst part about it was that it was only -2 C outside, which should still be fall jacket weather.

But not last night. That -2 C felt like it was about -12 C or more.

Some regions don’t understand this, but here, whenever the temperature is given on radio or TV, it always comes with a caveat.

It goes something like, “The temperature in Kingston right now is -2, but with the wind chill it feels like -12”.

The temperature is never given without the “but with the wind chill …”

In the summer, they replace “but with the wind chill” and say “with the humidity, it feels like…”

We can’t get an actual temperature reading. Going by the thermometer just doesn’t do it here.

… Which also means that when Lily asks me EVERY time she leaves the house “what’s the temperature outside?”, it really doesn’t matter because that’s not what it feels like.

It’s like watching the national news on CTV or CBC. After you’re finished watching it, you know we were not given the truth, but you don’t know what the truth is. 

With our weather you literally have to go outside and stand there to get a real sense of what you will be facing when you actually leave your premises.

And that’s one of the differences between living here in Ontario to, say, Saskatchewan or Alberta.  

When you leave the house there you know what you are going out into. There is no guessing. 

Here you walk about twenty feet outside and you just have to make a comment on the weather,  like we did last night: “Man, it’s bitter cold out here!” 

Why didn’t I know that before I walked outside? Why did it take me by surprise? 

It’s because of that wind chill factor, that’s why. 

Wind chill is like the carbon monoxide or Radon of the outdoors. It’s colourless, tasteless, odourless, and it’s deadly. 

Oh look – I’m writing this blog post on November 10 about how winter has been sprung on us, while my grass is still green! 

I haven’t even collected the leaves off the lawn yet. 

If climate change is here, I’d like to know who’s benefiting from it … because we sure aren’t!

Here’s the thing: Sure, God has given us the Bible as a guide to living. He shows us His plan for this world and where it is all heading. We can see the provision God made for us all in Christ Jesus. But God also gave us the Holy Spirit. He’s like wind chill – you can’t see Him or feel Him. And you must be paying attention and listening to Him to receive guidance for your daily life. Be sure you recognize and pay attention to the Holy Spirit. 

That’s Life!

Paul

Question:  What do you need more guidance regarding? Leave your comment and questions below.