Anticipation

Snow is predicted.

If you’re from around these Ohio Valley parts, you already know that it probably isn’t much.  It seems it never is. But, I still let a winter weather advisory stir up an immediate anticipation of possible accumulation.  They say anticipation can be the best part.  I suppose that’s good because anticipation is usually all we get.

I mean, in February, a forecast like that doesn’t surprise me.  But, we get teased so much with spring-tide shenanigans in north-central Kentucky that I’m a hold out until we get a proper winter forecast.  I’ve usually waited for a winter that should have happened in December.  Then.  A winter that should have happened in January.  And, even though we’re known for having all four seasons, including this one, it’s ever so slowly turning into this confused murky-muddled clouded coolness that’s never any winter season at all.

Just the same, my hopes get ramped up with commanding and promising forecasts.  But, February is likely it. The last hopeful chance of a winter for the season. I always anticipate with glee the highest predictable possibility of accumulation.  I desperately hope not to be disheartened by a follow-up forecast that snow isn’t developing at all.  I know ground warmth will likely limit its greatest chance, but it’s February - there’s still a chance.  I know there is a band of pressure that will or won’t come together, but it’s February - there’s still a band. I want snow to hurry and materialize before March hurries to slip in all sly-like.

These are my winter emotions and they get wrapped up in every winter forecast. I get giddy.  I can’t help it. But truth is, nobody seems to know how to predict a forecast. I’m waiting with just as much anticipation for a forecast to be prefaced with, “If the Lord so chooses.”

“To the snow He says, ‘Fall on the earth.’

He loads thick clouds with moisture.

They turn around and around by His guidance.

to accomplish all that He commands them

on the face of this habitable world.”

With so much anticipation,

I wait on the Lord.

Job 37: 5-13