Unpredictable Michigan Weather

   Summer weather in Michigan can be unpredictable and surprising. Al has a saying that describes it pretty well: “If you don’t like the weather, just wait a minute!” This was our experience recently when we flew out to the Detroit area to spend a week with family there.

   It was certainly interesting to us after coming from hot, dry, central California with temperatures soaring above triple digits. Our daughter, Shanda, watched the daily forecasts closely on her cell phone, timing events so that we would miss rainstorms. The day after we arrived, the plan was to go swimming at the community pool in the early afternoon before the rain hit. It was a muggy day and a dip in the pool felt great, besides the enjoyment of watching Nate (7) and Elliot (5) swim and do crazy ‘dives’ off the diving board. Sure enough, the predicted storm came later that evening.

   The next day, we were invited to tag along with them to a beginning golf lesson. But, before the golf pro arrived, it began pouring. There was a covered area with benches so we all stayed fairly dry. After the downpour, which was enough to soak the grass and submerge the little practice putting area, the rain stopped and a beautiful rainbow appeared over the trees at the far end of the driving range. The boys still had their lesson!

   On Friday, the forecast was clear and sunny—perfect for a day at the Detroit Zoo with Shanda, the two boys and their close friends, Robert, Gwen and son Ben. Even the animals were out and about! We enjoyed seeing the three-week old baby giraffe, a new penguin exhibit, and riding the zoo train. 

   Then on Saturday, the whole family drove to Bowling Green State University in Ohio to visit our granddaughter Kendra who is a freshman there. It was hot walking around the campus as Kendra led us on a guided tour. But later after dropping her off at the dorm, the sky turned black and heavy rain battered the van.

   I sat in the back seat between Nate and Elliot, who were frightened by the sudden storm. The boys and I counted the seconds between the lightning strikes and claps of thunder. That helped calm them down, although they thought the thunderstorm lasted much too long! No tornado sirens were heard, thankfully!

   It was still raining lightly in Perrysburg, Ohio when we stopped to see one of Al’s sisters on the way home to Michigan. After a nice visit with her, we were back on the road, the storm having passed by us (or vice versa!). 

   Our wonderful week of grandparenting flew by, with outings and activities every day regardless of the weather. Al and I were thankful to arrive home in Springville safely after so much traveling and were happy to find that the dogs and house were all well cared for while we were gone. Praise the Lord for blessing us with such a special family, a great trip, safe travel and for being in complete control of every detail of our lives, including the weather!

“The Lord watches over you—

the Lord is your shade at your right hand;

The sun will not harm you by day;

 nor the moon by night.

The Lord will keep you from all harm—

He will watch over your life;

the Lord will watch over your coming and going

both now and forevermore.” Psalm 121: 5-8 NIV