During the years that we lived in North Dakota I was struck by the fact that locals were quick to comment about any weather that it was unusual. If it got cold, they’d say, “It isn’t usually this cold around here.” If it was dry, they’d say, “It isn’t usually this dry.” Every weather, no matter what occurred, was met with a comment that it wasn’t typical for that part of the world.

There was an element of truth to the way North Dakotans spoke of the weather. In the seven years we lived there, there were plenty of temperature records - both heat and cold - for particular days. There were a couple of precipitation records for the day as well. Weather patterns are constantly in motion and the weather doesn’t really repeat what has occurred before.

These days enough of my life has been lived in the western Dakotas that I probably sound like a local to those who aren’t from around here. But you have to say that the weather really is unusual this year. It started with a real record-setting blizzard on October 4 last year.We had enjoyed several days of temperatures in the 70’s and 80’s in late September and October looked to start a bit warm as well. Then we got dumped on. Some places got as much as three feet of wet spring-like snow. The previous October snowfall record was something like 10 inches. This blizzard left us digging out for most of a week. Out on the prairies, it took several weeks just to count the livestock losses.

It wasn’t that we weren’t warned. The forecasts, especially those in the last day or so before the blizzard, were pretty accurate. I’m pretty good about being prepared, but we lingered at the office long enough that we had trouble getting home that day. Not that there was any rush. By the time we got home the electricity had been out for several hours and we didn’t get our power restored for several days. No worries. We had plenty of food and were warm and safe. I didn’t bother to put the chains on the pickup. We had no place to go and the county placed a travel ban on all roads until the snowplows could get out and clear paths.

The weather continued to be pretty severe all winter long, with lots of snow and several big storms rushing through the area. Spring came late with lots of cooler weather and plenty of rain.

It isn’t uncommon for us to have a period when we get thundershowers most days and some of them dump big amounts of water. But that is the kind of weather that we usually have in June. As we watched the storm clouds rush in and prepared for another drencher yesterday I couldn’t help but think that the hills look and feel like June instead of the middle of July. We know things will dry out one of these days, but for now the weather is a bit unusual. The forecast is calling for overnight lows in the 40’s with highs in the 70’s for the next couple of days.

Normally I’d say mid-July is a safe month to plan an outdoor wedding in the hills. There are some beautiful places to have weddings around here and the weather is generally warm and dry in July. I always advise couples to have an indoor plan B just in case of rain, but personally I worry about things getting too hot and the minister and guests getting sunburned with outdoor weddings in the hills in July.

Yesterday’s wedding required moving from plan B through plans C, D, E, F, and G, I think. The storms usually track from west to east in the hills, so we watched as the sky was clear to the west and the storm clouds rolled up to the north. An hour before the scheduled time of the ceremony the chairs were all set up and the band was ready to play under a sun shade. Then it became clear that that storm off to the north was heading directly toward us. People scrambled to put tarps over the band equipment and to put things inside. When the rain and wind started, there were folks standing at the corners of the shade structures to keep them from blowing. 15 minutes later we were all inside the large shop building listening to the sound of small hail and watching the wind whip tents and tarps and shade shelters all around the place. A garbage can took a trip off to the south pasture and the rain was making tiny streams and puddles everywhere.

Then the storm blew over. Towels came out and the chairs were dried. Hay was spread over the muddiest spots. There was a break in the storm and we started the ceremony, thinking we could get it done before the next rain storm hit. The music started, the wedding party processed, and I read the call to worship and the invocation. By then we were getting wet once again. I checked with the couple and we went “fast-forward” through the vows and rings and declaration of marriage in the rain before everyone rushed into the shop for more towels. This time we were drying off faces and wiping glasses before having the scripture, charge to the couple and song inside.

Then the storm blew over and the sun came out. By the time dinner was served, we were all outside again, the band was setting up their equipment and the evening proceeded under clear skies. I had to head home early to get ready for this morning,but I suspect that the rise of the super moon was absolutely gorgeous and the couple was glad they had chosen such a beautiful location for their marriage. They are young and filled with a sense of adventure and I don’t think the rain was that big of a problem for them or for their guests.

I hope I can retain some of that sense of adventure about the weather. After all we can’t control - or even completely predict - the weather. And we are likely to be caught by surprise once again. I’ve discovered that I’m pretty much waterproof. Dry me off and I’m ready to go again.

May we never lose our sense of delight at the surprises.

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