seasons
Letting Go of Summer
Thursday, September 25th, 2008 | Uncategorized | 1 Comment
Letting Go of Summer
Each year, when it first begins to turn chilly and damp, I have the hardest time letting go of summer. I enjoy fall when it finally arrives in all its colorful glory—but during the interim, I am resistant.
While others are talking about how much they love the cool weather, I’m longing for the warm, even hot, sun and gentle breezes. I am unwilling to give up my comfortable sandals to the point of wearing socks with them with no fear of the fashion police. I miss going out into the garden, with an eye for red ripe tomatoes. I pulled up all of my tomato vines last weekend, after picking the last of summer’s bounty. Each time I use one of the last ripe ones in a sandwich or salad, I’m counting the few that are left and mourning the end of the season. As the days become shorter, I’m longing for the light I love. I miss the energy that I feel from the summer sun.
I used to even down right resent the winter—hated it! But, lately I’ve learned that it is God’s way of forcing us to slow down, recuperate from the hard work and play. I’ve learned to channel my energy in new ways—like learning to make homemade soups. Nothing is better on a cool Sunday afternoon than the aroma of soup simmering on the stove. I love researching the soup recipes and deciding on a new one to try every now and then, when I’m not relying on my old favorites.
I suppose that the change of seasons forces us to contemplate, even lament, what is behind us and anticipate what lies ahead. I’m doing that a lot right now. Thinking about my life, what I’ve accomplished, what I haven’t. Searching for a new purpose. Longing for good health. Praying for more time on this earth. Craving comfort and peace of mind. The scripture below gives me guidance and perspective. I hope it does the same for you. Until next time…De Ja Vu
To Every Thing There is a Season - Ecclesiastes 3. 1-8
To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:
A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted;
A time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up;
A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance;
A time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing;
A time to get, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away;
A time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak;
A time to love, and a time to hate; a time of war, and a time of peace.