Day 12- Fortune Forecast

     If there is anything more fickle than the weather, it is fortune. When I say fortune people probably think of different things. For some they may think of money. For some they think of something mystical and pagan. But by fortune I mean your lot in life, your standing, your "luck."

Unirii Boulevard tonight on my way home

     Last week was one of the prettiest weeks we have had (here in Bucharest) all year. The sun shone, the breeze was soft, and the temperature was warm. Everyone was sure that spring had finally arrived. That all changed on monday when there was a storm. And with that storm came a cold front. And with that cold front came 6-inches of snow. So, needless to say, the past few days have been very cold and... snowy. Weather often changes drastically, without much warning. Growing up in "Kentuckiana" I learned this very quickly. Whereas most places experience the seasons over the course of a year, we often saw all four in a single week (sometimes a day). And weathermen try and give us a heads-up as to what the weather will do, but they can only be so much help. I think we all know how much we trust the forecast sometimes.
     Life is often as unpredictable as the weather. One day we can be on top of the world, so to speak. We are the "luckiest" person alive and everything is going our way. The next day we can lose everything. The 'winds of fortune' shift from our sails to another's. This simple fact of life brings up a few points.
One, we should be careful to treat others amiably regardless of our own fortune. If we are doing well and everything is going our way, we should be careful not to rub it in the faces of those less fortunate. If we get something and someone else doesn't, don't gloat. Because as soon as we think we are set and all is well, things can change. And soon you can find yourself in the reversed role as you watch another  person moving up the ladder, and you yourself watching them pass. The old proverb rings true: "Treat others as you would be treated."
Two, we see that nothing is for sure in this life. Therefore, we should enjoy what we have while we have it. But we should be careful not to value one thing too much, because if and when we lose it we need to be able to move on.

The icy path.. such a change from a few days ago

And three, there is not a set forecast for life. There is nothing that can tell you exactly how your life will play out or what tomorrow will bring. But we do have a guidebook for every situation that we can use. And weather you believe in destiny, predestination, free will, etc. it doesn't matter. The basics are there, right in front of you. And if you trust in Him and follow him there is no need to worry. Because, He works for the good of those that love him, no matter what.