My little confession: I've been a Winter Girl my entire life. I adore Winter. The crisp, clear blue skies; rugging up in extra layers, and adding extra quilts at night; the early sunsets, with shorter days and longer nights; long, virtually sweat-free runs in the afternoon; endless cups of tea; hot dinners; the tingly sensation of the cold air caressing your skin. Winter is just beautiful. But my love for Winter has typically led to my greeting Summer, with her long, hot, sticky days and warm nights, with a little sigh of resignation.
In the last couple of years, I've seen so much truth and beauty in the idea of "seasons" in life. Life definitely has seasons. These seasons can be defined by many different things... often by change. Such as changes in our location, job / study / activities, emotional outlook, ministry, spiritual growth or dryness, or key relationships. And others! Yet, so often, we don't or can't recognise the season we're in, until the time comes where we can look back and see where we've been. See where God has led us - what we've learnt and how we've grown. It's now so clear to me that every single season is beautiful. Whichever it is, and whatever it brings. Some seasons are full of pain, suffering, guilt, hopelessness. Yet, even (especially?) in the midst of seasons like these, God is working in our hearts to teach and refine us... flowing into the right kind of beauty, at the right time.
So. Maybe it's all of these thoughts that keep swimming around my mind, but for the last couple of years, I'm seeing a lot more of the beauty of Summer, and am much happier to see her come back to stay for a few months. I'm still sorry to see Winter go... but genuinely excited about the arrival of Summer!
To celebrate, I thought I'd do a little List.
My Five Favourite Things About Summer
5. Christmas... holidays... a new year and new resolutions. As soon as the weather starts to warm up, my mind starts to wander with excitement and anticipation towards these things.
4. Flowers. I love flowers!!! How the world of Spring and Summer is filled with their happy, unassuming, sweet presence. They also remind me of Matthew 6:28-30, and of God's care and provision for us.
3. Summer dresses. Of all the clothes I could ever wear, I think pretty, colourful, often-flowery dresses are my absolute favourites. Sometimes I try to keep wearing them in winter with a jumper, but people usually find it a little weird, and express concern for my bodily thermal regulation and health. So. Definitely love pretty summer dresses in Summer.
2. Conviviality. The warmer months just feel friendly and convivial! It's easier to jump out of bed, and get out and about. Heading early to the beach to watch the sunrise and eat brekky together. The Wynnum Wading Pool once again filled with water, and soon afterwards with little bodies clothed in pink frilly togs and Ben 10 boardies.
1. Driving at night with the windows down, the music up, and balmy air blowing your hair into knots. 100% happiness.
These are but a few! I'm thoroughly enjoying the journey into this new season of the year... as well as the opportunity to reflect also on the seasons of faith and life.
What are your favourite things about Summer?
