Hot Weather Thoughts
Rest is not idleness, and to lie sometimes on the grass under trees on a summer’s day…is by no means a waste of time. - John Lubbock
Summer in Florida is HOT – record-breaking hot. During a heatwave, it feels like summer seeps into every molecule of air and stays, suspended, waiting for a breeze. Air conditioners roar, power outages happen, and the blazing sun dries up flowers, grass, and plants. IF we venture outside, we walk slowly and avoid direct sunlight as the heat blasts off the concrete sidewalks. We don’t talk, just silently move through the heat until we’re inside again in the cool of the AC. Then we complain that it’s too hot, that it's not possible to have this kind of weather. We tell each other not to go outside as we reach for a sweater to fend off the cold indoor air.
Hot summer days evoke memories, endless days full of possibility. There is an ease to summer; no need for extra layers or rushing indoors to escape the cold and dark of winter. But sometimes those long, lazy days can feel oppressive when the heat lingers. It’s important to balance appreciation for the season with strategies to make the most of it.
We should also remember that in places both near and far around the world – there are people who don’t have air conditioning. There aren't even fans to help them cool down. Folks are desperate to find the shade of a tree or to try to catch a breath of air. In big cities, people sit on fire escapes trying to feel a tiny bit of breeze. The vulnerable may get sick or even die in the extreme heat.
When my father was alive, he often reminded me that in every event, even during times of discomfort, we can learn something. He told me that the devastating drought and Dust Bowl of the 1930's taught people a lot of important lessons about protecting the land, conserving water, taking care of one's body in the heat. So, what can we learn from this season of high temperatures? Certainly, we know it's a time to walk more slowly, to sit quietly, to slow down our fast lives, to ponder the changes in the climate and what we need to do about that. And undoubtedly, we need to be more compassionate and caring for people who are less privileged than we are.
As we ponder the heat, I hope we can embrace the season’s spirit. Even in the heat of summer, we can find beauty in the scent of cut grass, the sound of cicadas, and the joy of shared picnic meals. Yes, there is much to learn during this summer season.
· What can you learn during the hottest weather?
· Are you aware of the millions of people who have no way to cool themselves down?
May we learn from the summer heat.
Joy Carol
