New fallen Snow measuring a foot or more, has provided a beautiful covering to the hard frozen ground, making everything look bright and clean. At the same time, it also cautions us to respect changing conditions around us. We need to watch for slick icy patches, or take a different route when the slush and snow is too deep on the hills, to be more careful as we travel about.
Though the snow preceded the seasons change, fall will turn into winter Tuesday, 12/22/15, as indicated by the winter solstice, that phenomena of nature, based on the earth's relationship to the sun.
If you think about it, you and I are just as extraordinary as any other phenomenon of nature: As trees, clouds, the patterns in running water, the flickering of fire, the arrangement of the stars, and the form of a galaxy. You and I are changing in relationship to nature, and all of life, as basic elements like minerals, molecules, atoms and organisms are constantly changing as they interact in an organized, synchronized way to make up our bodies, similar to the earth, the moon, the stars, and the universe as we know it.
Seasons do not just relate to the weather about us, as most people experience seasons of change in their lives. Sometimes, these changes of season bring about a loss of confidence and trust. These changes in seasons sometimes mean letting go of something or somebody we thought we would have for all of our lives. It could mean losing something we thought we could not live without. A new season of life is a chance to begin again, whether after losing a job, after losing a home and possessions in a fire, or after the death of a loved one.
Just as we learn to adjust to the passing seasons of nature, there is strength to be gained in adjusting to the changing seasons of our life. We can look back and cherish good memories lingering from the former season, we can remember those things that were important, and let go of things that have passed. Instead of standing in the snow in shorts demanding the return of summer, there is strength to be gained in understanding that loss is part of growing in life. There is awareness to be gained in seeing our relationship to the changing seasons in nature, which can prepare us for the next season of change that may be in store for our lives.
Like taking a detour if the hill is too snowy, we can find new ways to participate with trust and confidence in living with change. We can move forward learning when to let go, while gaining confidence to begin new experiences again. We can cherish each lesson, with wisdom and love.
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