Summer is winding down. I think that's kind of sad. This summer has been filled with adventures like camping, reunions, weddings, gardening, and so forth. Yesterday I overheard someone say that they could hardly wait for summer to be done---that it would be good to have a routine again.
A part of me agrees, but the other part is already missing summer. I guess that's human nature. Here's my take on this strange aspect. Actually, it's a little poem I learned while in college a "few" years ago:
As a rule, man's a fool
When it's hot, he wants it cool
When it's cool, he wants it hot
Always wanting what is not
Never wanting what he's got.
When it's hot, he wants it cool
When it's cool, he wants it hot
Always wanting what is not
Never wanting what he's got.
So while a part of me is looking forward to the fall colors, I'm going to do my best to enjoy what is left of summer. Today, I'm heading off to the mountains to pick yet more huckleberries. I love frolicking in the forest. I love how the pine trees smell, and I enjoy watching the squirrels who usually throw a huge fit when we invade "their" huckleberry patch. They have been known to launch pine cones at human intruders. We've had a few thrown in our direction the past couple of weeks. Last week, as an irate squirrel chittered at us in a lecturing fashion, he\she fell out of his\her tree. We laughed over the poor squirrel's humiliation most of the afternoon. It was hilarious, especially when the poor thing hid and refrained from sharing its opinion the rest of the day. =) Even squirrels get embarrassed. Food for thought.
The point I'm attempting to make today is that we need to learn to enjoy the moment we're in. I suspect that's what our Father intended when the seasons were created. Each season possesses attractive qualities---spring is a reminder of the sacredness of life with the arrival of baby animals, flowers, etc. Summer gives us a chance to get out and about to enjoy the beauty that surrounds us. Fall beckons to us with vivid colors and bounteous harvests. And what would Christmas be without snow? I know there are a lot of places in this world that don't get the chance to enjoy the white fluffy stuff, but in our neck of the woods, we usually have an ample supply during the winter months. True, it seems to stick around much longer than we would wish some winters, but the snow serves an important purpose. It's crucial for the spring and summer months, not to mention fall. Without adequate water, there wouldn't be a bounteous harvest. Spring rain inspires the flowers to bloom. Storms make growth possible.
The seasons of our lives are similar. For us to grow and flourish, there must be seasons of trial and pain. These storms pave the way for eternal happiness. There are also seasons of beauty and joy. It's important for us to learn to savor those moments when they arrive.
A few years ago, I wrote a song for a special occasion in Young Women. The girls I was working with at the time did a beautiful job of performing this number. I will end today's blog by sharing the lyrics:
Return to the Neighborhood
The point I'm attempting to make today is that we need to learn to enjoy the moment we're in. I suspect that's what our Father intended when the seasons were created. Each season possesses attractive qualities---spring is a reminder of the sacredness of life with the arrival of baby animals, flowers, etc. Summer gives us a chance to get out and about to enjoy the beauty that surrounds us. Fall beckons to us with vivid colors and bounteous harvests. And what would Christmas be without snow? I know there are a lot of places in this world that don't get the chance to enjoy the white fluffy stuff, but in our neck of the woods, we usually have an ample supply during the winter months. True, it seems to stick around much longer than we would wish some winters, but the snow serves an important purpose. It's crucial for the spring and summer months, not to mention fall. Without adequate water, there wouldn't be a bounteous harvest. Spring rain inspires the flowers to bloom. Storms make growth possible.
The seasons of our lives are similar. For us to grow and flourish, there must be seasons of trial and pain. These storms pave the way for eternal happiness. There are also seasons of beauty and joy. It's important for us to learn to savor those moments when they arrive.
A few years ago, I wrote a song for a special occasion in Young Women. The girls I was working with at the time did a beautiful job of performing this number. I will end today's blog by sharing the lyrics:
Enjoy the Journey
Enjoy the journey, enjoy life's ride
Your attitude determines who you are inside
Happiness can often prove to be the key
That shapes your eternal destiny.
Are you searching for a path
Free of thorns that hold you fast
Are you running from a test
That might lead to happiness?
Are you weary of life's load
Smiling makes an easier road
Enjoy life as it unfolds
And . . . (repeat all)
End: Happiness can often prove to be the key
That shapes your eternal destiny.
Cheri J. Crane
1995
Enjoy the journey, enjoy life's ride
Your attitude determines who you are inside
Happiness can often prove to be the key
That shapes your eternal destiny.
Are you searching for a path
Free of thorns that hold you fast
Are you running from a test
That might lead to happiness?
Are you weary of life's load
Smiling makes an easier road
Enjoy life as it unfolds
And . . . (repeat all)
End: Happiness can often prove to be the key
That shapes your eternal destiny.
Cheri J. Crane
1995
Return to the Neighborhood
3 comments:
I sure enjoy reading your blog!
You could not be more right, Cheri -- each season brings us different treasures and we could miss out on them if we don't take the time to stop and look around.
Thanks, Dannyel, you just made my day. ;)
And Tristi, always good to hear from you---a fellow seasonal fan. =)
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