It’s Finally Spring

I love spring and summer because it usually means the sun is out.  I take the sunshine very seriously.  It is incredibly important to me … way more than it should be, I’m aware. I believe we draw strength from the sun — not in a ‘spiritual sun-god worship way,’ but in the fact that the sun literally has life-giving vitamin D.  And this strength of vitamin D doesn’t come in a bottle, it can only be attained by being right out there in it.

My favorite color is yellow. I like convertibles, and sunglasses, sno-cones and Slurpee’s, swimming pools and suntans, the smell of suntan oil with just the slightest hint of chlorine, bright summer nights, fireflies, homemade ice-cream and watermelon.  I like to wear tank tops, clothes of whites, bathing suits, t-shirts, summer dresses, shorts, sandals and flip-flops, a floppy beach hat, and a baseball hat that doesn’t mind getting wet.  I do love my summertime songs and the smell of honeysuckle, being downwind of someone grilling a steak nearby.  Yes, spring and summer equal the words “happy” and “bright” in my world.

Fall and winters are hard for me.  I don’t like the cold dreary weather these seasons bring. The Seasonal Affected Disorder these two dark foes bring hits me hard. I don’t enjoy the four seasons like most people do.  I could happily live in a climate that only has sun and warmth.  My husband, sons, and daughter, love fall and winter. I’m all alone in this sun-seeking passion.  I don’t like to wear fall colors, coats or boots or scarfs or hats or long, hot jeans or sweaters.  My family does. And they love the changing of the leaves and the promise of cold weather and all that misery.  I do not!  I take this invasion very personally.  I see it as the enemy pushing it’s way in and stealing my precious joyful sun; killing my lovely flowers and trees, making everything dead and brown.

No, I do not like these two darkly dressed seasons.  I do, however, realize these things I can’t change.  Therefore, I do my best to dwell on the ‘Sonshine’ that never fades or leaves me.  I am aware that this is His creation and it works together for the good of the world.  I accept that as truth.  I believe God is in control, and I am grateful for that.

So, as we sit on the cusp of Spring, I rejoice in the warm days I know are ahead.  I will soak them in for all I’m worth, because I know fall doesn’t tarry. “To shine on those living in darkness and in the shadows of death, to guide our feet into the path of peace.”  (Luke 1:79)

I will sit with my face toward the sun.  I will eat fresh sweet fruit.  I will wear more than my share of white.  I will plunge into the cool water. And I will plant flowers, water them and enjoy their beauty.  I also will choose to rejoice in my Lord everyday, even the dark, stormy, rainy ones.

Photography credit: rachellynphotography

Our lives are very much like the changes in seasons and days.  We never really know what is coming around the corner.  We can suppose and imagine, but we never really know.  This earthly life is unexpected and fleeting but, praise God, my hope doesn’t rest in the seasons, or the weather, or the moments that take us by surprise.  Our hope rests in the loving hands of Jesus who will never leave or forsake us … the One who knows us better than we know ourselves, and loves us beyond what our limited minds can conceive.  So, join me today and take heart cause He makes all things new.  We are abundantly blessed in all things, and I choose to rejoice in this day and the days to come.  “Ascribe to the Lord the glory due his name; worship the Lord in the splendor of his holiness.” (Psalm 29:2)

Just Jesus,

Sheri Langley