Seasons
The season is changing. The winter is officially setting in. Not yet but. It is that interim season - where nights are chilly and days are warm and at times hot too. The west calls it fall but what we have is a short transition season.
When it is too hot we are waiting for winter. When it is too cold, we are waiting for the early summer months but of course dreading the height of summer. But then with climate change and planetary health changing there has been climatory havoc. The expected dry summer full of rain, the rainy season with no rain but dry heat, winters either too cold or not cold at all, confusing seasons of havoc.
But in the midst of all this havoc, we do know that there will be change soon. Through transitory seasons for another season to emerge. Has this not been true for life too, these last few years of even a decade or so. A season of havoc for many.
Last weekend I heard about a friend being diagnosed with cancer and struggling through this season. I listened to 2 young professionals who had to run away under army protection from a part of our nation where ethnic clashes are going on. Waiting for this season to change where they could find some ways to return to complete their internship. Which would make them full professionals. If not possible they would have wasted 4.5 years of their study. One of them said to me with tears in her eyes “I know this too will pass”. (No powers that be are listening to their cries.)
I am currently enjoying a stable season, but many others in confusing seasons. Many friends, past colleagues in other seasons of their life. But then there is that daily reminder - as we see the sun arising each day and moon at night, that there will be a sun rise after every night. I was challenged by this prayer today. (Part of a longer prayer).
“We praise you, Lord, for all your creatures,
especially for Brother Sun,
who is the day through whom you give us light.
And he is beautiful and radiant with great splendour,
of you Most High, he bears your likeness.
We praise you, Lord, for Sister Moon and the stars,
in the heavens you have made them bright, precious and fair.”
Extract from Canticle of the Sun, by St Francis of Assisi
especially for Brother Sun,
who is the day through whom you give us light.
And he is beautiful and radiant with great splendour,
of you Most High, he bears your likeness.
We praise you, Lord, for Sister Moon and the stars,
in the heavens you have made them bright, precious and fair.”
Extract from Canticle of the Sun, by St Francis of Assisi
A reminder that there is a faithful creator who holds all seasons together
“Summer and winter, and springtime and harvest,
Sun, moon and stars in their courses above,
Join with all nature in manifold witness
To Thy gratefulness mercy and love."
Sun, moon and stars in their courses above,
Join with all nature in manifold witness
To Thy gratefulness mercy and love."
But how can I be warmth to those struggling with the cold of winter or a cool breeze to those challenged with the heat of summer I wonder?
On a lighter note - Enjoy a song from my generation of singers...(Lyrics below)
And join Calvin and Hobbs as they struggle with seasons!
Time, time, timeSee what's become of me
Time, time, timeSee what's become of meWhile I looked around for my possibilities
I was so hard to pleaseLook aroundLeaves are brownAnd the sky is a hazy shade of winter
Hear the Salvation Army bandDown by the riversideThere's bound to be a better rideThan what you've got planned
Carry a cup in your handLook aroundLeaves are brownAnd the sky is a hazy shade of winter
Hang on to your hopes, my friendThat's an easy thing to sayBut if your hopes should pass awaySimply pretend that you can build them again
Look aroundThe grass is highThe fields are ripeIt's the springtime of my life
Seasons change with the sceneryWeavin' time in a tapestryWon't you stop and remember me?
Look aroundLeaves are brownAnd the sky is a hazy shade of winter
Look aroundLeaves are brownThere's a patch of snow on the ground
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