Asked recently, “How is your heart?” by someone who really cares, I answered, “This is a really challenging season of life. There’s no way around it.” I’m part of the Sandwich Generation—aging parents and children not yet launched. Their next question was equally as tender, “How are you taking care of yourself?” The last several years have seen me ride the wave of a learning curve: growing in proficiency in listening to myself, my whole self. I can’t push-push-push because there never seems to be a fallow time on the other side of the over-exertion. I am learning not to over-commit, to say “no” so that I can make time for the things that sustain me: walking, cooking, and gardening are the first things that come to mind.
Part of this learning curve has also been to enjoy the fruits of every season. There’s a rhythm to the year, gifts from our Maker to unwrap in summer and autumn, winter and spring. Emily Rishel shared with me the book, Telling the Seasons: Stories, Celebrations and Folklore Around the Year by Martin Maudsley. I liked it so much, I bought one for myself to read again and throughout the year—each month has stories, legends, and sparks of ideas for how to make the most of seasonal delights.
Of course, while ordering that book, another was recommended which I ordered and read while on vacation in Vermont, Slow Seasons: A Creative Guide to Reconnecting with Nature the Celtic Way by Rosie Steer. This includes festivals, recipes, craft ideas, and the admission by Rosie that seeking to live in tune with nature and its bounty has helped her mental health and was a saving grace during COVID lockdown.
For our 26th wedding anniversary, Carlos and I thought to take an overnight getaway. “Where should we go?” was the question, and because of my recent reading, I said, “To the beach!” It’s the season for soaking in the sun and taking a dip in the ocean, looking for seashells, and reading under an umbrella with one’s feet in the sand. In the coming months, I hope to find time to go hiking under canopies of trees enthralling us with their burst of color before their eventual fall. Warmed apple cider will delight me as well as pumpkin carving (from my volunteer patch) that has had me smiling throughout the summer. The bulbs have been ordered to plant this October so that in Spring I will be giddy with what God can do with my good intentions and nature’s magic. Winter will bring respite, dreaming, and maybe a foray on the ski slopes (maybe). Spring will have me posting pictures of crocuses, tulips, and daffodils.
I have come to the conclusion that there is wisdom in living according to the seasons, and there’s a wisdom to each season: the seasons of the year and the seasons of life.
Blessings to you in whatever season you find yourself!
Pastor Robin