Shedding 

Spring has sprung and there are several tall tale signs indicating this seasonal shift. One particularly interesting sign of spring is shed hunting. 

The male species of the Cervidae family, also known as deer, elk and moose, shed their antlers in the late winter months. When the snow melts, shed hunting begins. Those who enjoy this seasonal pastime find and gather the antlers from forested areas and then sell them anywhere from $1.80 per pound to $14.30 per pound. Others simply collect the sheds for fun and not for profit.

Another sign of spring is the gathering of morel mushrooms. These edible fungi are  coveted among many in this area. Morels have a rich, earthy, nutty taste and a honeycomb texture. I know one couple that trades these mushrooms for another coveted commodity here in North Idaho; huckleberries.

 But neither shed hunting nor morel gathering excites me about this warmer season. Instead, I get ecstatic about other things that spring brings; bird song, cherry tree blossoms, drying my laundry on the clothesline, naps in the sun, green grass and bare feet. 

When I can finally shed my shoes and socks, when I no longer have to lace up my winter waterproof boots, and when I can purposefully leave my footwear behind, I sigh contentedly. 

Bare feet is a sure sign that winter, heavy snows and sunless days are behind me.

Shedding Unforgiveness

Recently, while sitting on our back deck in the warm sunlight, I thought about how unforgiveness is a lot like winter and forgiveness is a lot like spring.

  In the winter months, I have to dress in layers before going anywhere. There is the undershirt, the over shirt, heavy jacket, hat, gloves, socks and boots. Like unforgiveness, my layers are a cumbersome load and restrict my freedom to move about. 

Then comes spring when I can discard the flannel shirt, wool socks, leggings, coat and boots, replacing those things with shorts, t-shirts and bare feet. There is less to wear and more freedom to move.

An unforgiving heart is a heavy heart, weighted down with anger, resentment and bitterness. A forgiving heart no longer carries the weight of grudges, blame and discontentment.

Why Bother?

Why bother shedding a heavy heart? Forgiveness, like the spring season, opens up our world to light, warmth and freedom. 

You can read the whole story of my journey to forgiveness in my book, A Heart’s Journey To Forgiveness found at Redemption Press and Amazon.