Tale from a Shade-Loving Comfort Queen

 If you ever see me in a shady parking spot going a little Pentecostal, just move along and mind your business.

In Texas, you know you’re smiled on by God if you land that coveted shaded parking spot at H-E-B. What a blessing it is to return to your car and not feel your flesh melt off your bones like the normal hot-car-in-July experience.

When I book a campsite, I always hope for shade. In the summer, I seek it out and pray for a cool breeze like my life depends on it. Shade makes all the difference between a sweat-a-thon and a beautiful day. For me, it’s agony versus ecstasy.

I’ll admit it. I’m a comfort queen.

⸻

Shade in the Bible

Shade is often mentioned in Scripture. But in biblical times, it was more than just comfort. It was life itself. In a hot, dry land, survival could depend on finding shade.

Last year, I attended a Bible study on Jonah by Sandra L. Richter, and I learned so much more about that familiar story. When I think of shade, Jonah’s story always comes to mind.

⸻

Jonah and His Shade

Jonah was not an allegory nor an ordinary prophet. Other than the Old Testament book of Jonah, he’s mentioned in 2 Kings, reinforcing the fact that Jonah was a real man, a big-deal prophet—not an allegory. He was part of Israel’s theocracy.

The Assyrians of Nineveh, on the other hand, were known for their depravity and violence. Archaeologists have even uncovered carvings showing enemies impaled like shish-kabobs. These were the very people Jonah was sent to.

After his famous ocean ordeal, Jonah finally obeyed God and preached repentance to the Ninevites. Then he built himself a shelter in the shade, waiting and watching—hoping they would get what they deserved.

Even after his near-death experience inside what was probably a sperm whale, Jonah still clung to his self-righteous attitude. He wanted justice for Nineveh, not mercy. In his eyes, they didn’t deserve forgiveness.

But God had a different plan. He sent Jonah a “gift”: a fat worm to destroy his shady box seat. Once again, God reminded Jonah who was in control.

And yes—the Ninevites repented. They were saved. Much to Jonah’s disappointment.

⸻

The Lesson of Shade

God used shade—and the lack of it—as a lesson.

And isn’t it interesting that we see a kind forgiving God reach out to Gentile pagans here in the Old Testament book of Jonah? So maybe next time I find that perfect shady parking spot or campsite, I’ll remember the One who created it. And in those times when there is no shade, I’ll remember something far greater:

And I’m not in control—God is.

⸻

Prayer

Lord, thank You for being my shelter and shade in every season. Remind me that comfort comes and goes, but Your mercy never fails. Help me to trust Your control, even when I don’t get what I want. And may I always rejoice when Your grace reaches others—just as it reached me.

Amen.