During these radio shows, I heard a lot of comparing autumn to approaching the "winter of life." Apparently, the fall season reminds some people of winter, and thoughts about their life and legacy begin to fill their minds and hearts. Lots of shivering and dread along with it. We heard many stories about terrible times in people's lives. The purpose of these stories was to show how, after our 20/20 vision becomes clear, these experiences make us stronger, wiser and contribute to our life legacy. Or, if you have faith in God, how He brought you through and has the ability to create light from the darkest moments.
The big question that always follows these kinds of story lines is, "What will your legacy be?"
It is a loaded question. The more I thought about it, the more I realized that I don't think these radio show hosts and their guests are really seeing the big picture. In order to see it, you have to look at an entire year of seasons, or your entire life. Since we are all still alive, we really do not have the ability to do this. The people who remain after us will be the ones concerned about your legacy. I think it is kind of silly to spend time pondering it.
With this in mind, I have decided to write a blog series on the seasons and how people compare them to real life. However, it is important to remember that the season's are interconnected. One would not be possible without each of the the others. They are all not only important, but necessary. They all have wonderful parts and they all have challenges. Let's take a "whole picture" look together.
Spring means rebirth. It is the time where the weather warms, the sun stays out longer, animals wake from their winter slumber and trees and plants begin to come alive. Wonderful colors abound. Scents you have not smelled in months and the warm sun on your skin makes you feel alive. In rural areas, plows and seeders are oiled, gassed and put back to service as crops are planted. Many types of animals and livestock give birth.
That is the picture most people have of spring. I have that picture too, with one addition. Zyrtec. Holy hay fever Batman! My reality is that, without allergy medicine, I would not be able to enjoy all the good stuff about spring.
When using the season comparison to life, most people consider the spring of life to be childhood. When you are born and start your life. It is happy, joyous and exciting. Not only for the child, but for everyone around them. When raising a baby, you realized that this is a wonderful, beautiful individual person with so much potential. Then you have sleepless nights. Beyond nasty diapers. Tears. Teething. Bumps and bruises.
You see, a child can't learn the difference between hunger and thirst without experiencing them and quenching them. A child can not learn to walk without falling over and over again. A child can't learn to trust without someone being there to comfort and love on them when they are crying. A child can't learn to read unless they are read too. The beginning, or spring of life, is wonderful. But it is NOT only full of sunshine, roses and butterflies. There are allergies, tornadoes, rainy days and growing pains.
Spring is not possible without winter. Most plants need a season to be dormant. They have to "sleep" in order to biologically be able to bloom in the spring. They may bloom after an overly mild winter, but they are never EVER as beautiful and robust as they are after a nice cold and snowy winter with a gradual spring that follows.
In life, new life can not start without maturity and growth of two other individuals. Seeds can't grow if they don't die first. If their shell is not broken and the actual seed shed to fertile soil with access to water and sunlight. Perennials and bulbs that are planted in the fall and look like dead roots or dead masses of plant matter are in fact, not dead at all. They are full of life. They are full of the energy, DNA, food and protection that will allow the plant to grow as the weather warms.
I know many older people who spend their time thinking about their past. Contemplating their decisions; having regrets and a feeling that life is already over. And yet, young people spend their time dreaming about the future. What do they want to do? Where do they want to work? Going to school? Marriage? Kids?
Here is the thing folks....life is not over until life is over. And life begets more life. I challenge older people to take some time and look forward to your future. You have learned a lot in your life, share it! Live your life, every day of it, with JOY. Throw away those regrets because you can only learn from the past, not change it. Choose to be happy. Choose to feel love and joy. It is a choice, don't ever forget that.
For you youngin's, enjoy today. That means every moment, even when you are doing something you hate. You too can choose happiness and joy over hate, regret and dread. Don't worry about tomorrow or wish your young years away. Walk away from drama. It will take years off your life and increase cortisol levels in your body. It is not worth it. Dream about the future, but don't chisel anything in rock. God often has another plan for you. It is your spring in life, so share it. Spend time with people outside of your age group. Get to know the older people in your family and neighborhood. It will bring both of you joy.
Find a way to endure the tornadoes, take your allergy pills and enjoy spring! Live life. Love life, because it is a gift. And share it. Isn't that really the neatest part of a baby? Being able to love him or her and then share them with the world? And remember, spring is born out of winter.
