Spring and Changing Seasons

Wow, has it really been a month since my last blog? I'm sorry for my absence, it's been a very busy time.

Recent hiking trip with my wonderful in-laws 

I'm happy to say that, at least back home in Indiana, spring has sprung. Fields are being prepared for crops, vibrantly green new grass blankets the roadsides, and the first of the wild daffodils are tentatively turning their pretty faces toward the sunlight. It's still chilly in the evenings, but the daytime weather has improved enough for relatively pleasant walks outdoors.

The changing of the seasons brings to mind the seasons of life. Our current season, living on the road, can sometimes be very frustrating and I have to remind myself that it is only a season, it's not permanent. This to shall pass and become a memory. Instead of focusing the things we aren't able to do right now, I try to remember the positive things. We won't always be able to spend this much time together or see the landscapes of our great country, and I would rather enjoy these things while I have them then waste my time wishing for the things I don't have right now.

Seasons change, but each has its beauty, its hardships, and its joys. I think back to when I was single and longing to find my soulmate, the one to share my life with. Looking back, though our beginning together was difficult and sometimes I wish the timing and circumstances had been different, I wouldn't trade the relationship we have for the world. To say that God's timing is always perfect sounds so cliche, but it's absolutely true.

This morning I sat in a restaurant booth and watched a group of ladies talking nearby and passing around a precious baby girl. My heart ached to be that new mother, sweetly kissing her newborn. It seems like nearly every time I access social media, someone else is pregnant or is posting photos of their little ones. My news feed is flooded with baby bumps, nursery decor, chubby cheeks, dimpled hands, and toothy smiles. Yet as much as I long for that season of life, I know it is not the right time yet. When the timing is right, that season will come for us as well. Until then, I will see the beauty of the season I'm in.

Camping with my sweetheart

There will be other seasons in life, and each has its share of joys and sorrows. In springtime, it's easy to become discontent wishing for land to plant a garden, room for baby animals to grow and thrive, and a place of our own to watch the wonders of spring come to life. While these dreams may be fulfilled in a different season, longing after them will only foster unhappiness with the season I'm in right now.

So, for now, I will focus on the positive and appreciate the beauty of our current season of life. Today's sunrise is different from yesterday's, and tonight's sunset will not be the same as tomorrow's. From Seattle to New York City, and from Miami to Sacramento, the view outside my bedroom window changes with the diversity of scenery in our beautiful country.

Happy spring!