Why The Beautiful Change In Seasons Reminds Me Of The Seasons of My Life

A New Sort of Spring

They were right. Everyone who said I would enjoy the seasons when we moved to Tennessee was right. After weeks of cold temperatures, sometimes down in the teens, we experienced a couple of beautiful spring-like days at the end of February/beginning of March. On the last sunny Saturday of the month, everyone was outside enjoying the gorgeous day: walking their dogs, riding bikes, strolling babies. It was as if the neighborhood collectively emerged from winter hibernation.

Yellow buttercups and the tiniest buds on the trees decorated the roadways. There was definitely something in the air after the cold, dark winter, and I don’t think it was just pollen. Walking my dog in short sleeves for the first time since the move thrilled me. For a couple of days, there was no need for my heavy jacket. We even enjoyed dinner outside with our grandsons one night.

We had to return to Florida for several appointments, and we found more signs of spring the farther south we drove. The trees in Birmingham were flowering, which is always a beautiful sight.

We completed our appointments and headed back north. After a dinner break in Birmingham with our daughter and son-in-law and their friends, we drove to our Tennessee home in the dark. That made the following morning even more spectacular. The first thing I noticed when I took Boone out for his walk was that the trees lining the street had leaves! The trees were bare when we left for Florida, but now the tiniest, pale green leaves covered them.

Unfortunately, what we experienced in the earliest days of March was “fake spring.” The temperature dipped back down to the 30s-40s the day we returned to Tennessee. I was most thankful we missed a stormy night with tornado warnings, although we got a taste of it in Georgia en route.

So yes, I enjoyed seeing this change from winter to early spring. I’m happy to see green leaves on the trees again, along with a colorful variety of flowering trees. The grass is green and lush, and many neighbors have flower beds full of pretty pansies. Spring is definitely in the air.

Life as a Season

I thought about a different kind of season while we were here in Florida—the seasons of life.

The timing of our appointments in Florida coincided with one of my favorite women’s events. While in Lakeland, I attended One More Child’s Women of Compassion Collective. Bonnet Springs Park, one of my favorite hometown spots, hosted the event. I went with one of my very best friends. (I just realized our friendship will be twenty years old next summer).

It was a delightful event. The event organizers decorated the venue beautifully in lavender. Women adorned themselves in their best spring fashions. It was amazing how the worship leader led, and there’s just something special about 250 women singing praises to God in unison. The speaker, Jackie Green of Hobby Lobby and the Museum of the Bible, was fabulous. The food was delicious, and there was even some shopping!

As I sat there taking it all in, I reflected on how grateful I was for my season as a board member of One More Child, an excellent organization that does an unbelievable amount of good in helping children and families. I thought about my years working closely with the exceptional people who make up One More Child and the amazing experience of traveling to several foreign countries with these friends.

I saw friends with whom I served as a MOPS Mentor Mom at my church; another fun season, for which I am incredibly grateful. I have so many wonderful memories of the camaraderie of serving young moms together with these ladies. It was a special time in my life.

My Precepts Bible Study teacher was there, and an old friend who sat beside me in Bible study. I remember entertaining her newborn son, sitting in his carrier on the table in front of us. That little baby is a grown man now, with a wife. I loved my season of Precepts Bible study and the godly women I came to know through it.

I caught up with a long-time friend from church and my kids’ school days. Her son and my daughter went all the way through school together and were in the same graduating class. If I had to pick a favorite season of my life, the season of active child-rearing would probably win the top spot. Although it was busy, busy, busy, I loved being a hands-on mom.

I saw another friend who had married one of my brother’s old school friends. Then, an old neighbor from my teen years surprised me. Another season.

Right before I left, I saw someone I have known since kindergarten. I have known only one other person, outside of family, as long. We have the classroom picture to prove it.

There were so many women in attendance who touched my life, who were a part of one of my seasons: a pastor’s wife, Sunday school friends, friends special to my mother, and, though I didn’t get to speak to her, the woman who jump-started this dream of mine to write.

It was a special morning filled with reminders of the good in ALL the seasons of my life. Sure, it’s hard to leave one season, especially if you love it, but I have learned that God provides special people, special friends to help you ease into the next season. I am so thankful for that reminder of how good all the seasons of my life have been, even the more difficult ones.