Embracing the Seasons
I love living in a place that has distinct seasons and it would be very difficult for me to choose a favorite! Although all four definitely have their downsides, they all provide experiences to be embraced. At the change of each new season, I find myself definitively thinking that this is my favorite.
Basking in the warmth of the first sunshiny day following a harsh winter...
It can't get any better than this.
The long evenings of summer, kids playing in the backyard, evening walks with my love...
It can't get any better than this.
The cool relief of autumn, leaves changing, cider warming, pumpkin baking...
It can't get any better than this.
Steaming mugs of hot cocoa, snow falling, cozied on the couch with my favorites...
It can't get any better than this.
It is so tempting to spend winter wishing it was warmer, and throughout the summer months long only for the cool relief of an alternate season. How often do we do we view life the same way? There's a reason they're called "the good ole' days", but what happens if we truly live in the the present as if it is good, no matter the current discomfort of that which is imperfect? What happens if we embrace each season of life as if it was just that? A temporary season worth embracing for all its good and all its inconvenience. And what happens if we take it a step further and realize that those "inconveniences" really are inseparable from the good? After all, without the heat and humidity of summer, we would not be able to fully enjoy the coolness of a dip in the pool and without the harshness of winter, the warmth and promise of spring would never be fully appreciated.
A few weeks ago I wassurviving enjoying lunch with the kids. After the eleventeenth time of saying, "stay on your seats! hands to yourselves! don't play with your food! use your manners!" I was about to have a full blown meltdown due to my lack of a peaceful meal. As quickly as my anger came, a still small voice inside reminded me that this season with my children is coming to a close. In September we will welcome a new member to our family, Reagan will be going to first grade and Anna to preschool. Although I hope to home school them again at some point, I will likely never again share regular lunches with just my two first-borns.
Suddenly, all of the commotion and giggles and laughter became something to treasure instead of loathe. Instead of lashing out with frustration towards their childish ways, I truly engaged my children in conversation and ended up joining in on the giggles. What started out as chaos turned into a lesson that I hope is slow to fade away.
Basking in the warmth of the first sunshiny day following a harsh winter...
It can't get any better than this.
The long evenings of summer, kids playing in the backyard, evening walks with my love...
It can't get any better than this.
The cool relief of autumn, leaves changing, cider warming, pumpkin baking...
It can't get any better than this.
Steaming mugs of hot cocoa, snow falling, cozied on the couch with my favorites...
It can't get any better than this.
It is so tempting to spend winter wishing it was warmer, and throughout the summer months long only for the cool relief of an alternate season. How often do we do we view life the same way? There's a reason they're called "the good ole' days", but what happens if we truly live in the the present as if it is good, no matter the current discomfort of that which is imperfect? What happens if we embrace each season of life as if it was just that? A temporary season worth embracing for all its good and all its inconvenience. And what happens if we take it a step further and realize that those "inconveniences" really are inseparable from the good? After all, without the heat and humidity of summer, we would not be able to fully enjoy the coolness of a dip in the pool and without the harshness of winter, the warmth and promise of spring would never be fully appreciated.
A few weeks ago I was
Suddenly, all of the commotion and giggles and laughter became something to treasure instead of loathe. Instead of lashing out with frustration towards their childish ways, I truly engaged my children in conversation and ended up joining in on the giggles. What started out as chaos turned into a lesson that I hope is slow to fade away.
No matter the season, there are moments to be had, relationships to be built, memories to be made. Throughout the cold and the warmth, there are lessons to be learned and adventures to be discovered.
Regardless of rain or sun, there is a season to be embraced, there is life to be embraced!
(I would appreciate a reminder of this lesson in August when it is 100 degrees, 80% humidity and
I am 9 months pregnant. Thank you very much).
wonderful reminder, friend
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