When the sun starts to turn in the sky around the middle of the summer, I find myself scrambling to find extra shade for my beautiful shade baskets.
We lost our big Red Maple a few years ago. It was so amazing. It shaded the plants, the cars in the driveway, and gave the kids somewhere to play away from the hot summer rays.
Sadly, a few years after when we moved in, we saw how old it was getting. Years of prior neglect and awkward pruning, a large root girdling its base, and too much rain finally forced us to take it down.
The loss of such a beautiful tree was difficult.
I never saw myself as that kind of person, but when it came time, it was such a huge change, it was hard not to be emotional.
Since then, we have built in its place a beautiful garden to sit in, with a table and chairs where I often sit and write. The disruption from that loss was temporary, and it was followed by the building of a new and exciting addition to our yard.
Today’s post is about change, but also the different seasons in our lives.
We no longer have a big Maple tree in the backyard, but the first leaves have started to fall off the neighborhood trees, which makes me aware that fall is here again. I can feel it in the air too. The driveway is a little colder in the morning on my bare feet. The plants don’t need as much water, and the pansies are looking a little happier with the cooler nights now.
Fall is my favorite time of year.
I just love that period of time where the yard work has settled down, and there is a break before we start to prepare for a long winter ahead. The hard work of Spring is over, and we can just sit outside and enjoy all of our efforts.
Fall used to mean different things to me.
This year, fall feels a little busier.
There aren’t any kids in school this year, but this time it’s me taking a college class instead. I used to have a period of rest in July and August from my seasonal job, but now I am back working full time.
Admittedly, I am feeling the pinch.
A few too many irons in the fire, this fall is not the same as so many before it. Lately, my spare time seems to be spent catching up on the things I wasn’t doing while I was at work, and like so many of you, there are odds and ends, emails and projects that take away that restful time. I have had a little less time to enjoy my garden, my family and friends, but I know that eventually things will get better. And I know that the classwork is going to be so worth all of the effort!
I want to encourage you today. If you are in a busy season in your life, keep in mind that just like the seasons outside your door, the seasons in life change too.
Each stage in our lives is here for a time, and then inevitably things change.
If things are restful for you right now, enjoy that quiet time. Use it to spend some time rebuilding yourself physically and emotionally. Enjoy those peaceful seasons in your life.They are a treasure.
If things are hard for you right now, and you are feeling overwhelmed, I want you to know that you are not alone. God is with you. He knows how you are feeling. Take those small moments to enjoy a deep breath. Even standing in a long line can give you a break from all that you are doing, just long enough to count to ten, so you have enough energy to keep going.
As busy as you may feel, remember to rest. Decide what things you need to do and what can wait.Take care of yourself, and put your hope in God. Have faith that He will give you the energy and stamina to do all that He is asking you to do. Staying focused on what is important will help you keep perspective when things get tough. Change is sometimes difficult, but sometimes it is even a blessing.
Whatever season you are in, remember that you are a treasure. You are loved. You are so much stronger than you realize. Spring is coming again!
