As we transition from Winter to Spring, I've been somewhat excited and somewhat dreading the busyness that looms ahead. New possibilities, yes...but also the feeling that I'm not ready yet. This shifting of gears, grinding hard...groaning as they slowly gain momentum.
Our weather does a lot of shifting back and forth this time of year, as well. A few weekends back, we had a 70 degree day...and a few days ago, we had an icicle shower. Branches everywhere were dripping and standing still, at the same time. My daughter reminded me to get out there and capture it before it went away. Pockets of icy-wonder, tucked away in the woods to trees standing out in the open, coated in a frozen glaze. It was magical to behold. Kind of like the movie 'Frozen' when they hiked up the North Mountain.
It's easy to become isolated, especially during these colder months of the year. I've enjoyed the hibernation aspect, but Foley loves everyone, so off to the dog parks we go. It's fun chatting with other owners, watching these crazy beasts chase and sniff each other out as they make new friends. It's delightful and gives my arm a break from throwing the ball nonstop.
Truth be told, I'm a cat person and always have been. I've had at least a dozen, throughout my lifetime...not all at once, of course. This is Shadow, our Russian Blue kitty. He is very smart. Figured out how to open the door, from the garage into the house, at about 4 months old. That is why you see him, one of our outdoor cats, sleeping at the foot of our bed. He's hard to say no to. So he gets to come inside...for a little while, here and there. His persistence has paid off, I guess.
I love the way these animals run and play, enjoying the moment, not worrying about what comes next. They know they will go home at some point but that is not at the forefront of their minds. New smells, everything that moves is a squirrel, and no shame when nature calls-LOL. They know their owners will take care of them and let them know when it's time to go, with little green baggies in tow!
A dog's life is simple. A cat can take as many naps as it wants to. Humanity is more complicated. Life can feel crappy. We have those seasons when it seems like we can't take the load. Where do we go with it? I believe each one of us is implanted with seeds in our lives. God-given dreams, talents, gifts. Whatever you want to call them. When life is hard, when the grass seems greener some place else, remember why...the hardships of life can be turned over into our hearts, like a fertilizer. In time, good things can spring up from what stinks, right now. Nature can teach us if we take time to notice.
What we deal with now can help grow something new and beautiful, down the road. Keep the soil in your heart cultivated. Get your hands dirty. Uproot the weeds. Take time to rest...and soak in the rain when it comes. The rhythms of creating, growing, maintaining and rest. All good things that have their place and time. Soon the ice will melt, giving way to warming soil and green shoots...ideas will turn over from plans to placement to growth. A garden taking root, springing up, producing beauty. Such is life.
Thank you, friends, for journeying with me! Feel free to leave a comment below and say hello. What are your favorite ways to rest? How do you enjoy community? How does your garden grow?
Cheers,
LP
Lovely & well said =)