I feel like in recent weeks I’m going through a “life season” of rest, of restoration. Of allowing myself to do what makes me feel most complete professionally. Of exploration.
A season of renewal.
I love the feeling, although it is unsettling. But along with the feelings of uncertainty and stress, come feelings of hope. Of determination. Of peace.
In a small way, this feeling of renewal happens twice a year, once in the autumn and once in the spring. I think that’s why those two seasons tie for my favorite. They are a bridge between two extremes. Spring is when new life comes out of the cold, dead winter. Autumn is when we find respite from the scorching heat of summer and when the beauty of the changing leaves emerges.
Beauty in the trees
Living in the Ozark foothills gives John and me a front-row seat to the splendor that is the changing seasons. We are blessed to live with a hillside practically in our back yard, giving us the ability to witness each incoming season and how it affects the trees.
I grew up in Kansas where the prairies and the plains are flat, but rich with their own beauty. Although there are times I miss those flat lands, I adore living among so many trees here in Arkansas.
In fall, the beauty of the reds, oranges, yellows and even some purples are simply breathtaking.
In winter, the leafless trees are not dead, they are simply resting and waiting for a warmer time. It took moving to the Ozarks for me to finally figure out what “winter view of the lake” means. It means that those beautiful leaves are finally “out of the way” of letting one see the lake. That in of itself is a beautiful thing.
In spring, the trees start to bud and show hope that it is finally warm enough to blossom again.
Summertime is when trees are in full bloom, offering shade and a place of rest from the heat.
What sources of renewal, of beauty do you find in the world around you?