Singapore’s tropical weather has been hotter than usual. For tourists, coming to the island is like stepping into a mild steam oven. Having listened to their comments for years, it is fun to remind them that there are hot days and then there are really hot days! There are days when I naturally gravitate to the outdoors, even while sipping a hot coffee, and days when any form of shade and cooling is one’s primary quest.
The current spell of hot weather has been periodically broken by thunderstorms rolling through. As annoying as it is to ride a motorcycle in the rain, I have rediscovered the joy of being cool. In moments like this there are several reminders that continue to stay with me.
Every seasons has a point of enjoyment. It may be temporary, but it is there for everyone. Even the extremes of winter’s cold, summer’s heat, and spring’s rain offer moments of beauty, reasons to celebrate, and cause for reflection.
With life’s extremes, each form of relief is a gift. The relief of a tree’s shade at an intersection makes everything just a bit easier. Everyone has an opportunity to enjoy. There are no barriers, no fees or a conditional requirement that one must acknowledge the source. It is simply a gift, a respite that is available to anyone willing accept it one its terms.
The source of our breaks can come from anyone at any time. A psalmist noted that “God spread a cloud to keep them [Israel] cool through the day and a fire to light their way through the night.” (Psalm 105.39) I hope they celebrated! Today the shade was plentiful on the ride to work, the lights were sequenced so that my time standing still was limited, and there was a parking spot close to the elevator. Each a reason to celebrate. Each a gift that is an example of unconditional giving.
It is already hot outside. It reminds me of Southern California with a big dose of humidity thrown in. Everyone deserves a break and relief, especially today.
