A Debate for All Seasons

I’m not particularly good at making small talk, probably because I’ve never made an attempt to improve such skills. I don’t really have a problem with sitting in silence (the more awkward the silence, the more amusing I find it), and sometimes I’m convinced that if I squint hard enough I’ll be able to see the wheels turning in someone’s head as they attempt to come up with the next topic to discuss. One of the most popular conversation topics, of course, is the weather. I would like to see some statistics on the role weather plays in conversations. Not only is it the universal conversation starter, but the sentiments expressed are almost always negative, at least in my experience.

At this point I should explain that I have spent most of my life in northern Utah. Those who live here are well aware that we have about two weeks of truly gorgeous weather in the spring and two more in the fall (if we’re lucky). The rest of the time it’s usually over 90 or under 30 degrees outside. So complaints about the weather are not necessarily unjustified, depending on where you live. What I question, however, is the wisdom in discussing something we have no power to change.

As this particular winter considers relinquishing its hold on the land, I feel that I need to pause and take note of some of the similarities between weather cycles and life in general. Most of us probably have some sense that there are times when things are going well for us in every area of life, and there are inevitably times when things go wrong. We do, of course, have control of most aspects of our lives, but it’s important to recognize that some ups and downs are unavoidable. We might be able to eat right and exercise, for example, but we are powerless to prevent natural disasters. When we recognize the hand of God in our lives, it lends us some perspective and enables us to see the bigger picture, if we will humble ourselves enough to recognize His wisdom.

I look back on trials in my life and see the good that has come about by overcoming them, as when I have worked to correct a mistake, or simply enduring them, as in the case of serious illness. Similarly, as the earth thaws we can pause to appreciate the beauty that will soon be returning to the land, although the landscape may still look brown and lifeless. Winter acts as a sort of reset button for nature, allowing us to plant new flowers, paint the house, and just luxuriate in the returning warmth of the sun. We know from the scriptures that trials help keep our pride in check by reminding us of the true Master. They give us a chance to build character.

Spring is symbolic of times of prosperity. We can have family picnics, go hiking and camping (with no fear of losing digits to the cold), and take pride in beautifying our homes and yards. Spring is also, of course, the time to plant food which will be gathered in the fall, which food we need to survive the winter. When trials come, it’s comforting to have memories of better times, knowing that eventually our lot will improve, even if that happens only in the next life.

To me, those who have overcome serious trials always seem more content and wise, at whatever point in life they may be. Have you ever known someone who seems utterly unflustered despite the beating that life has dished out? I can only hope that someday I will reach that level of maturity. These are the people who have learned to appreciate the cold, dark winter, enjoying the variety of experiences that life has to offer. They understand, as did father Lehi, that without the contrast, the good loses its meaning. They are looking forward to the return of the summer, of course, but they don’t waste their effort complaining about where they are. Instead, they work hard to make the most of the present and ensure that the good times will come again. They “lay up in store” in times of plenty.

It may seem strange to compare something as trivial as small talk about the weather with something as deep as our overall attitude toward life, but I think our perspective colors our view of the world and our method of expressing ourselves. Our words probably tell more about us than we realize, at least to those who are paying attention. So the next time you hear someone complain about the weather, smile at them and tell them that you’re enjoying it, even if you have to force a smile as you chisel the ice from your windshield.