I wrote a bit here in April about the seasons in this supposedly seasonless tropical place where I live. We don't have four clearly delineated seasons, but we do definitely have rhythms to our year, times that repeat fairly predictably.
Unfortunately, one of the seasons that repeats quite a bit here is the season of political unrest. We have just come through a particularly difficult one of those. The national mood was one of discouragement as we struggled to see how things would be resolved. We stayed home for weeks as businesses and schools were closed and the streets were filled with protests.
And now...the season has changed. The political issues are not resolved, but life is back to near-normal. I'm back at work, loving teaching my students in my classroom instead of online. A couple of weeks ago I suddenly realized that I felt like myself again, for the first time in a while. It felt good to be excited about doing my job, enjoying life, going out into nature.
I've been here before, in this post-trauma season, this time of relishing the simple things in life because of the recent reminder that they can be quickly taken away. There's a sense of urgency in making the most of each day; there's gratitude for each face-to-face conversation. It's so wonderful to collect funny student stories again, to go to meetings, to eat school lunch. I know this season doesn't last forever, but while it does, it's great. I don't really have anything profound to say about it beyond that. It's a season to enjoy, knowing it's fleeting. And you could really say that about all the seasons. They don't last forever; we find whatever we can to appreciate about them and take each day as a gift from God's hand.
Be sure to visit Carol's roundup to see what kind of season everyone else is going through.
5 comments:
So I am here thinking this is profound, "this time of relishing the simple things in life because of the recent reminder that they can be quickly taken away." Every day is fleeting and you are reminding me to take a moment in gratitude for what is here now. Thanks.
Thank you, Ruth, for reminding us that every day is a gift, and I am happy for you and your renewed zest for life.
So happy to know that your current season is one of near-normal and that you're back in your classroom. I know your students are thrilled to be there with you too. Glad that you can be where you belong, doing these normal things once again. Each day is truly a gift from God's hand. Thanks for this reminder today.
Ruth, I am sorry that there is a season of political unrest in Haiti. You are strong and got through the last one so now take time to relish the simple things in life. As I say life is fragile and uncertain. It is important to savor moments that bring us joy. Notice the simple things and be grateful. Thanks for sharing today's thoughts and a previous post that I enjoyed rereading, especially the following line: By building excitement for these subtle transitions, we can invite more cyclical-anticipation into our lives.”
I think I really get what you write about today. After my mother passed away, there was a time when I was just full of thanks for each precious moment. I have lived in that different state of appreciation since. It's odd...because there is also grief. But, the gratitude for being finished with a traumatic period puts into words what I couldn't before. Thank you.
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