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There’s an image of nature’s ever-changing beauty that stays in my mind.
It was last spring. Unveiling the day, I remember pulling back the curtains, captivated by the juxtaposition of nature. In the distance, the evergreens that lined my street framed snow-covered mountain peaks. In the foreground, I noticed the steady progress of aspen trees budding, preparing to unravel fresh leaves. As the temperature rose, mounds of snow from winter storms suddenly seemed to disappear into the earth.
The fragrance of pine returned to the forest and campfires quickly became encircled by loved ones roasting marshmallows on coat hangers. Shoe prints etched into dusty trails, and the lakes repopulated with kayaks, paddle boards and fishermen casting their lines along the shore. Surprised by the set change, I remarked with the same commentary as the previous year, “That was fast.”
Surprised by the set change, I remarked with the same commentary as the previous year, “That was fast.”
The season was changing. As we enter fall, we embrace another change of season.
When we anticipate change from afar, it can feel as if life is moving at a snail’s pace. The irony is that when change finally does arrive, it can easily catch us off guard, as if it is an overnight sensation. Just as we await nature’s signs of newness, let’s remember that seasons are cyclical as we wait for the realization of our dreams and heart’s longings.
Although darkness rules the winter, light never fails to make a comeback in the spring and summertime. Change is always a process. Let’s take time to slow down and celebrate the smallest of victories as we earnestly wait for new seasons. After all, life isn’t a still frame. It’s a time lapse.
When change finally does arrive, it can easily catch us off guard as though it is an overnight sensation.
Sincerely,
Lauren Dowler, the Darling family
As we wait for our dreams, what can we learn from nature and the cyclical process of seasons changing? Why is it important to be grateful and not fix our eyes solely on the future?
Image via Raisa Zwart Photography
