Mark Katrick faith column: Don't give into temptation to put away your winter wardrobe

“The March wind doth blow, we soon shall have...” You fill in the blank.

This adaptation of an old saying by Mother Goose was one of my mother’s favorites this time of year. It usually ends with the word, “snow” but when a person live in central Ohio, you never know what you’re going to get.

The adage, in its entirety, goes like this:

“The north wind doth blow, and we shall have snow, and what will poor Robin do then? Poor thing! He’ll sit in a barn, and to keep himself warm, will hide his head under his wing, Poor thing!”

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There’s something about the cold, snow and winds of March that are a whole lot harder to take than what haves at us in January and February. Perhaps it’s because we’ve come to expect that since it’s the first day of the third month, Mother Nature will begin to act accordingly.

My heart has always gone out to the robin and feathered friends, just like Mom’s. It felt like we went through more birdseed this time of year than any other. But before you get to worrying about God’s creatures, be they great, small or in-between, at least they have the instincts to not “jump the gun,” another old saying we’ll soon be hearing at area track meets.

Though you and I can’t change the weather, we can do something about it. As much as we want to get out into our gardens, or tee it up for the first time this year, there are some days that are meant to stay inside the “barn” (unless we have no choice but to be out and about).

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Don’t give into the temptation to exchange those winter wardrobes with something more spring-like. Keep your “wings” (hats, gloves, scarves and winter coats) handy until it’s well into the month of April.

In last week’s column, I wrote about “not getting ahead of God” when it comes to time-management. The same goes for “season-management” too.

Before the winter bids farewell, remember that last freshly fallen snow or the sparkle of that ice crystal palace one more time. Do it before the south wind begins to blow and the heat and humidity start to settle in for the summer.

Mark Katrick is s pastor and spiritual guide.

This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Mark Katrick faith column: March doesn't mean winter is over