Seasonal Reflection

And seasons of life

Above me, a lone robin chirrups from a branch of the maple tree. Beside me, a fanciful hummingbird flits around the feeder. Before me, a light breeze skitters across the leaves of the redbud. I sit out here, on my patio, surrounded by nature. I pause to take in this peaceful Sunday morning. And I realize that, in its own quiet way, summer is about to take over.

This year, it’s been a slow unfolding of growth, a gentle rising of temperatures, an unhurried softening in the air. But I know it’s here when I see the flowers unfurling in the garden and my tomato plants reaching new heights in their pots. I already can barely remember when the backyard lay lifeless and brown. A few months make all the difference. It reminds me that change is constant. That there is always room for growth. That the smallest seed, if nurtured, bears fruit.

I’ve been fortunate to live through many seasons of life, each with its own set of beauty.

There have been years of learning lessons and soaking in knowledge. I grew up in a home where I heard many languages and was exposed to various topics ranging from history and theology to art and music to politics and culture.. If I brought up a subject with my father, he would pull books down from his study shelves for me to read or share his personal knowledge with a story. I learned and continue to be curious.

There were years of back breaking work. As a baker, I spent long hours on my feet and working with my hands, carrying 50 pound bags of flour, kneading bread, rolling out croissants, making food and serving customers. Though the work was hard and constant, the return was even greater in relationships and community.

There have been years of loss and years of acceptance. Leaving the culture I knew at fifteen years of age taught me to find my inner strengths. Losing a career job at 29 pointed me toward my true passion for a slow and meaningful life.

There have been years of fallowness and fruitfulness. It takes time to dream about the life I want. And patience to wait for the dream to come to fruition. But if I keep my focus, it can happen.

What I’ve learned through it all is that, just like nature, I am resilient. In my core, I carry a strong sense of who I am and what I continue to want to be. Through the seasons, that does not waver. And I never give up noticing.

In living this life, I’ve encountered what I call magic. It’s that intangible moment that creates a connection with something outside of myself. I only have these tips to find it. Pay attention. Continuously. Look for it. Continuously. Work with love. Continuously.

As midsummer approaches, I’m still out here, reflecting on what the season gives. Maybe tonight I’ll see the first firefly of the summer.