Have you ever been asked what your favorite season of the year is? I have, quite often, especially when getting acquainted with new people. My answer is always the same…I can’t choose. I like aspects from each of the four seasons.
Since spring is typically associated with “everything becoming new” I’ll begin with March through May. Coming off winter’s harshness as snow melts the earth begins exposing her beauty with budding of trees and plants emerging from beneath the soil. Bird songs are more prevalent in surrounding trees and shrubs. Cool breezes tease me for opening a window. Soon, May’s warm days usher in summer.
Cool breezes are now warmer winds. Creation is alive and thriving. As each day passes, adding up weeks, hot days are upon us. Swimming pools are prepared for relief from hot sunny days. Lemonade becomes a favorite beverage to quench thirst. Outdoor play replaces staying inside to avoid spring’s rainy days. Long walks and bike rides take us on adventures down familiar roads or new trails. Cookouts with family and friends dominate social calendars, especially on the 4th of July when all things hot dogs fill grills. We may have to dodge misquotes but find ways to avoid them so we can enjoy bonfires and fireworks.
By August, our trees, shrubs, flowers, and gardens are cycling down in preparation for fall and winter rest. Slowly, the scenery in our own yards and neighborhoods are taking on the faded shades of decay mixed in with fall’s vibrant colors among wooded areas across our states. Fall color tours enhance stopping at local cider mills for a cup of tasty apple cider along with a fresh warm donut. Pumpkins begin arriving at farm stands in October, competing with “all things apple”. Shop at any grocer or pop in to a coffee shop and the choices for pumpkin spice or apple flavored beverages and foods is one of fall’s lighthearted options. Are you “pumpkin” or “apple”?…Another great question when making a new friend.
Last but not least is winter. I dare say this time of the year is probably at the top of the “most unwanted” list. I am one of those rare ones who loves winter. It’s hard to describe how I feel about winter’s combination of blue skies over cold temperatures, and the sun bouncing off freshly fallen snow. Snow offers a blanket to cover the last deadness of fall. Bikes have been put away but out have come sleds, skies, snowshoes, skates. Snowshovels are also needed, lending opportunity for a bit of needed exercise. Hot chocolate fills mugs, cradled between hands as a way to warm up after spending time outside breathing in crisp cold air which fills and clears the lungs.
Following October we have Thanksgiving in November as a wonderful day to join with family and friends to focus on gratitude. Typically, this often neglected holiday ushers in “all things Christmas” and the countdown to December 25 begins. Pumpkin spice and apple may still linger, but now are joined by peppermint, eggnog, pine scents, cinnamon and clove. Kitchens become baking frenzies turning out delicious cookies, candies and breads.
God the Creator gave us four seasons. Each has its purpose even though we may not embrace or appreciate them without complaint. Ecclesiastes 3: 1 says “For everything there is a season, a time for every activity under heaven”.
Maybe we could pause and ponder what kind of “activity” each season is participating in. Winter covers the land to give it rest and nourishment. Spring wakes up sleepy lawns and farm lands in preparation for new seeds to go into the soil. Rain showers help to feed and nourish new growth. Summer’s sunshine provides needed nutrients for sustained growth which lead to fall’s harvest days. Winter waits her turn, again, to bring rest and a break from the cycle built in creation.
Activity under heaven never gets rest or a break from purpose. Whether you dislike one particular season of the year, they are all necessary. The fun and beauty of opting for “all things pumpkin….all things apple….all things (fill in the blank) make for happy carefree living. I like what John wrote: “Whatever is good and perfect is a gift coming down to us from God our Father, who created all the lights in the heavens…”
We’ve been blessed with unusually warm weather thus far in October and I’m certainly among those who have counted each as a bonus day with awesome temperatures and sunshine! But, winter is coming….and admittedly? I can’t wait. I’m ready to exchange sandals for snowboots to tromp through some freshly fallen snow as I try to catch a snowflake on my tongue and create my annual snow angel.
