We had heard it said so many times. Any mention of our move to Victoria and we could guarantee a comment would be made about the weather, the unpredictable climate or the well-known statement, 'four seasons in one day'.
We weren't moving to Victoria in search of a certain type of climate and given the comments we had heard, we were fairly unsure what the climate we should be expecting anyhow. Snow, rain, warm weather and gale force winds within a few days?? Perhaps!
After almost a year living just outside Victoria's capital city, Melbourne, we can safely say that all comments we had received were entirely true. Time and time again during 2012, we have had a beautiful sunny day, then the clouds come over and a hail storm appears from nowhere. Then out comes the sunshine minutes later like nothing ever happened (though my children are still relishing in their delight of eating all the 'ice cubes' off the ground).
Before long, the gale force winds appear and you need more layers on, but by 3pm its quite hot and you possibly feel like a swim. Just last week November drew to a close with a scorcher of 39.6â° Celsius, but it only hung around for a day.
Be prepared
'Four seasons in one day' is not just a saying. It is pretty close to the truth of what happens and it has not stopped amazing me. While it may not be ALL four seasons, you certainly can guarantee the weather you wake up to will change by the time you have lunch.
The unpredictable weather Melbourne enjoys is created by its unique location, wedged between southerly arctic influences and the northerly dry and hot desert winds (we-love-melbourne.net). Whatever the day, be prepared for anything.
Do not let the wind toss you
As I have observed this unpredictability I am drawn to think about my Christian walk and my relationship with Jesus Christ. As the weather changes, we take an umbrella out and put it away, put a jumper on and take it off. We may feel a bit unsure of what to do and confused by the wind. Is the wind hot or cold?
Should I listen to that preacher, should I go to that church over there instead, should I start doing what those people are doing or obey what that book says to do? Ephesians 4 verse 14 says. "We will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of people in their deceitful scheming (NIV)."
Infants lack stability, they are unlearned and are unaware of danger. This verse is describing one of unstable opinion who fluctuates or frequently changes the way he or she thinks or believes depending on the latest fad teaching. Picture a small sail boat being blown in one direction and then another by the wind that keeps changing direction. There is no solid ground or roots holding them in place.
We need to hold fast to the Word of God and look to what is true and what is holy. As we come to know our Father more deeply, as we listen to His voice first we will not so easily be tossed about by the unpredictability of our world today.
For the word of the LORD is right and true; he is faithful in all he does (Psalm 33 verse 4). Hold fast no matter what storms of teaching or waves of lies come your way.
Laura Veloso is wife to John and the mother of 3 young boys. She is trained in child welfare and primary school teaching and has experience in overseas missions and youth leadership.
Laura Veloso's archive of articles may be viewed at www.pressserviceinternational.org/laura-veloso.html