Packing up the summer furniture Saturday brought a mix of emotions. The snow blower came out, the furniture went in, the big planters were moved into storage, and the storm doors and windows got washed and put up. As I stood at my kitchen counter (putting together a large tray of baked ziti for Sunday lunch), I paused long enough to watch my husband out on the deck stacking the chairs. I must admit it made me a little sad to see another summer gone. Summer is such a wonderful time for easy entertaining and simple pleasures. I am a spring/fall lover at heart, but the summer has wonderful things to offer as well.
As I stood and watched him I thought about how quickly time goes by and how life moves just as quickly from one season to another. It seems as though one day we are trying to get our domestic chores done while toddlers run in and around our legs - and next the children are gone and we are preparing for the "cold weather" years to come.
But just as with the seasons, I welcome the change. I've found that each stage of my life is like peeling the layers off a beautiful gift package. As each layer is removed we wonder what's beneath it all, and when we discover what's next we take pleasure in that as well. It's as if someone lovingly took the time to choose the most beautiful box, the best possible paper, a spectacular bow - and made the experience special from start to finish. From the gold sparkling bow to the beautiful wrapping paper, to a lovely box and then layers of colored tissue - each is part of the gift.
I may be at the point in my life where I'm working through the layers of tissue, but those layers are giving me great pleasure. Sometimes the best part of a gift is the process of opening it. I think this is true for life as well. If we concentrate too intensely on what the final reveal will be we may miss the joy to be found along the way.
Winter is coming and we need to prepare for it. But we can't stop enjoying the fall while its here.
As I stood and watched him I thought about how quickly time goes by and how life moves just as quickly from one season to another. It seems as though one day we are trying to get our domestic chores done while toddlers run in and around our legs - and next the children are gone and we are preparing for the "cold weather" years to come.
But just as with the seasons, I welcome the change. I've found that each stage of my life is like peeling the layers off a beautiful gift package. As each layer is removed we wonder what's beneath it all, and when we discover what's next we take pleasure in that as well. It's as if someone lovingly took the time to choose the most beautiful box, the best possible paper, a spectacular bow - and made the experience special from start to finish. From the gold sparkling bow to the beautiful wrapping paper, to a lovely box and then layers of colored tissue - each is part of the gift.
I may be at the point in my life where I'm working through the layers of tissue, but those layers are giving me great pleasure. Sometimes the best part of a gift is the process of opening it. I think this is true for life as well. If we concentrate too intensely on what the final reveal will be we may miss the joy to be found along the way.
Winter is coming and we need to prepare for it. But we can't stop enjoying the fall while its here.
2 comments:
Is it me, or have others here noticed how time has appeared to have speeded up? There just isn't enough hours in the day anymore. Just seemed yesterday was Labor Day, Halloween already has passed and Christmas will be rushing in shortly. Either it's an experiment gone wrong at Brookhaven Natl. Lab that has affected time, or the older I get, my perspective of time has somehow become warped. Not good in any case!
I don't think its you - we all feel that sense of time fleeting! Remember the old saying that when you get to the top of the hill you pick up speed on your way down the other side? I'm really picking up speed now....
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