Seasons

It’s funny what I remember as the years go by; the scents, sounds and the sights that evoke memories of my childhood, my adolescence. It’s late September as I am writing this, finding shelter within our screened-in patio in. The sun was shining a few moments ago consuming me with the warmth that summer usually brings, when seemingly out of nowhere the clouds opened up and showered the earth (It is Florida after all). A scent of freshly fallen rain met my nose and reminded me of past spring showers, welcomed wholeheartedly after the chill of winter. The clouds have now hidden the sun away and the cool wind that was rustling through the trees before is now more pronounced on my bare arms and legs. Our gate is creaking back and forth in time with the wind, giving an air of eeriness. It is this combination that convinces me that autumn has begun after all. I just perceived three seasons in less than fifteen minutes, all because of the sights, sounds and scents that prompted memories locked away in my mind.

I have fond recollections of each season…

Springtime brings about the image of blooming flowers, lush green grass, baby animals and all the rest that go with my favourite holiday: Easter. As a child, I did not completely comprehend the significance of Easter as far as my Christian faith is concerned, but as I grew older the importance it had in my heart grew too. It is still nice to look back on all the Easter Egg hunts and family gatherings associated with the holiday, though.

Summer is my favourite season of all, which has got me questioning my ability to rationally think. I am terrified of thunderstorms you see, and when are they most prevalent? Thunderstorms aside, I just love the sunshine! I enjoy those family barbecues where everyone lingers late into the evening, because the sun never seems to set. Family picnics, swinging in the park, walks along the beach, drawing on the front doorstep, day trips, ice-cream stops…the list goes on. Summer evokes some of my best memories. Perhaps it has something to do with me being born in July.

What can I say about Fall? It is not my favourite season by a long stretch but there are many elements I can take in small doses… The slight chill that prompts me to pull out a light sweater, picking out the best pumpkin in the patch, harvest festivals, Thanksgiving and of course the beautiful array of colours the leaves present. They’re fun when they’ve fallen too, all crunchy and in days of old, fun to jump into. My brother and I used to rake them for my Great Grandma. I just don’t like when they get soggy!

Winter? There’s not a whole lot I like about this season, which is one good thing about Florida. I do love snow when it is falling. It is just so pretty. Once it hits the ground, it can be enjoyable. I like sledding and used to love building forts. I never was into the snowball fights or skiing. The frigid temperatures are too much for me to bear, especially since I have been acclimatized to Florida.

I didn't have a particular purpose in writing this. I just wanted to write. Perhaps it will stir some memories for you. Good ones, I hope :)

Sincerely, Melissa

Every Season

sung by Nichole Nordeman

Every evening sky, an invitation

To trace the patterned stars

And early in July, a celebration

For freedom that is ours

And I notice You In children’s games

In those who watch them from the shade

Every drop of sun is full of fun and wonder

You are summer

And even when the trees have just surrendered

To the harvest time

Forfeiting their leaves in late September

And sending us inside

Still I notice You when change begins

And I am braced for colder winds

I will offer thanks for what has been and was to come

You are autumn

And everything in time and under heaven

Finally falls asleep

Wrapped in blankets white, all creation

Shivers underneath

And still I notice you

When branches crack

And in my breath on frosted glass

Even now in death, You open doors for life to enter

You are winter

And everything that’s new has bravely surfaced

Teaching us to breathe

What was frozen through is newly purposed

Turning all things green

So it is with You

And how You make me new

With every season’s change

And so it will be

As You are re-creating me

Summer, autumn, winter, spring