Living in the Midwest, residents experience incredible wonder with the change of seasons. The winter months bring sparkling fresh blankets of snow and a bitter chill in the air. One can hear the screams from children sledding down a hill and see the determined efforts of the snowboarding teenagers who are challenged by the run of the course. Come spring, the soft rain showers wash away the heavy compacted snow and give way to a renewal of the land. Green plants start to arise from the earth, birds begin to sing their songs and flowers prepare to release their colorful fragrant blossoms. Summer quickly follows with temperatures skyrocketing and neighbors enjoying the aroma of burgers and brats on the grill. A child’s laughter fills the air as they swing higher than ever before and men listen for the rumble from a nearby speed boat or motorcycle. Before long, another renovation occurs as the leaves on the trees change from emerald to crimson to amber to russet. They flutter to the ground when the brisk autumn breeze blows. Whistles and cheers fill the air at the football games and a crackling of the logs in the fire pit will mesmerize all who stop to feel its warmth. Almost in the blink of an eye, the transformation has come full circle when the approaching signs of winter appear once again. Each season holds a wonder and an amazement all its own.
During the summer months, a tree can be as wide as it is tall, filled with large deep green thick leaves, so abundant that the tree trunk and branches are not visible. Yet, in the winter, that very same tree will stand the test of time, with only its bare thin trunk and peeling bark. Do you ever wonder how it will renew itself and blossom into its full beauty and potential again next year? Ah…the wonder of it all!
We each are walking in a land of wonder and amazement. I urge you to dig deep today to find the wonders around you, to stop and smell the flowers. Find what you have taken for granted. When was the last time you listened to the pitter patter of raindrops falling ever so softly? When was the last time you allowed yourself to slowly eat your favorite food, holding it in your mouth and appreciate the robust flavors it offers? When was the last time you stopped to caress the cheek of a tiny infant or stroked a velvety baby bunny? When was the last time you delighted in the smell of fresh baked cookies and thought back to years gone by?
Today is a new day of wonder. Take five minutes before turning in for the night, to journal some things in your life that you are grateful for…things that make you wonder.
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