Which Season

Summer is done. Fall is here. 

Each of the four seasons has their own distinct characteristics of weather conditions, day lengths and attributes. Spring has warmer temperatures than winter, awakening plants and animals from winter dormancy and the sound of song birds.

 In the summer months, temperatures rise, water tables drop and gardens grow. School is out and vacations are taken.

Autumn signals a time of harvest, cooler temperatures, shorter lengths of daylight and animal migration. School starts up again and those summer vacations are but sweet memories.

Winter brings cold air, moisture in the form of snow, a desire to eat more and hibernate until Spring comes back.

Though winter seems like the longest of the four seasons, we can count on the fact that each of the seasons is roughly three months long. 

The four seasons are governed by the Earth’s axial tilt. During the warmer months of the year, the northern hemisphere is tilted more toward the sun. During the cooler months of the year, the northern hemisphere is tilted more away from the sun. 

Though the seasons of our lives are not governed by the Earth’s axial tilt, and are not on a three month cycle, each season in our lives has their own distinct characteristics, purpose and time line. 

Indeed, some periods in our lives seem to last much longer than the blink of an eye, while others go by in the blink of an eye. There are intervals of carefree seasons as well as periods of difficulties that we’d rather not face. Like the sun shining while it’s raining, the tenure of a strenuous time can also be a most blessed time.

Though summer is gone and autumn is here, I’m still basking in a season of ease. My work schedule is minimal allowing me longer periods of time to read, write and contemplate. Conversations with my husband over morning coffee or evening wine are lengthier and heartier.  This less hurried interval in my life allows me to observe and appreciate more of what is around me.

For instance, while I’ve always noticed the wild life in my back yard; deer, birds and squirrels, this summer I spied a praying mantis inching its way across my driveway. Later, I noticed it taking up residence in my wandering jew that has lived outside on my deck since the warmer temperatures of spring. 

While sitting at ease and reading on my deck, I’ve taken the opportunity to observe this remarkable and wondrous insect, its buggy eyes, its quick reflexes to devour bugs, and how it can wait in stillness for long periods of time.  

Now that summer and its warmer temperatures are giving way to autumn and its cooler weather, my husband noticed the praying mantis’ departure from its place in our wandering jew. The insect left in the same way it came, crossing our driveway and going where I am not sure. 

But, my season of ease continues, for how much longer I do not know. I only know that while it is here I find it to be purposeful and pleasurable. 

Why Bother?

Why bother knowing which season you are living in? Knowing the season of our lives reminds us that it won’t last forever and that while we are living it, we can certainly learn from it.

P.S.  I wrote the story of my journey to forgiveness for those who, like me, know they need to change, but are not quite sure where to start. You can find A Heart’s Journey To Forgiveness at Redemption Press and Amazon.