As many of us know and experienced, these past couple years have been far from normal. We’ve changed our way of life and being, while adjusting to a new normal. Accepting this has not necessarily been easy, but this has been the reality of our lives. The weather has been no exception to this as we’ve had to adjust, acclimate and adapt to the changing of seasons.
Last year, our winter was a pretty typical winter here in Alaska. We had snow! Lots of snow! The winter seemed like it was going to go on forever, taking a long time to melt and for the ground to unthaw. Needless to say, we waited until the end of April and early May before planting seeds in our starter trays.
Summer arrived, according to the calendar anyways. Our daylight may have increased, but we had very few days filled with sunshine, blue skies and heat. Clouds were a common thing, and so was the rain. The plants in the garden took well until mid-July to finally start growing and getting larger in size. Once the vegetables set on, many things began to rot rather than mature. Pesky fruit flies were plentiful, feasting on leaves, vegetables, fruits, anything they possibly could.
During the first week of August, I sensed something different in the air. Change was coming. I could feel it in so many ways. What caught my attention the most was the aroma outdoors as I walked around the woods as well as the change in the air and temperature. Autumn was coming early. As we harvested all the vegetables, I started pulling up the plants, chopping them up and using them as mulch for the next growing season.
Today, September 21st, 2021, we had our first snowfall. This was the earliest we’ve ever had snow. Heavy, wet, dense, perfect conditions to make a snowman (and very heavy to shovel and clean the driveway and sidewalks). The snow was beautiful, clean, white and pure! Midday, the wind picked up, clearing all the trees of fallen snow. The gusts of wind cut right through to the core, giving chills and shivers that lasted for far too long.
How can this possibly be? Winter? Already? Seems as if spring, summer and autumn are ready to move on and let winter take over. Like many of us, maybe all of the seasons are worn out from having to do their part. Maybe they are ready to rest and recharge until their time of year comes once again. Let darkness take over. Let the cold wind settle in. Find comfort in knowing the seasons will change. Right now, it’s time to appreciate, not complain about or be frustrated. Enter the new season in life with an open heart and mind, being ready to receive the blessings that are coming our way.
As much as my heart yearns for warm temperatures, sunshine and blue skies, God provides exactly what is needed. During the evening hours, just before the sunset, my husband and I went for a walk around the neighborhood. I grabbed my nice camera as I hadn’t used it much in the last year. What I had hoped was to capture the snow-capped mountains with fall colors in the foreground. God provided opportunities to do just that, as well as a sneak peak of a little blue skies with the golden rays of the sunset shining through. There really is so much beauty amidst the darkness of day, and that which we sometimes feel within ourselves.
God, He is always with us, near us, beside us, in front of us, inside of us. Sometimes we just need to dig a little deeper, have a little more faith, remember to trust in Him as His plan for us is much greater than we can ever imagine.
Until the seasons change again, I will be reminded there is growth darkness and uncertain times. This may be a time of rest, a time to slow down and spend time growing as one in Christ. What better way is there to spend your days than getting to know and growing as one with Him?
Magnificent Meraki 