I’m a nature lover. Most people who know me, know this about me.
The winter is a hard time for me because although I long for an outdoor adventure, the bitterness of the Maryland cold stops me. So I patiently (or not so patiently) wait for the temperature to rise above 30 degrees and in this time of waiting, I watch. I watch the snow clouds glide over the Appalachians, I watch the squirrels gather one last snack, but most of all I watch the trees. Most people probably think trees aren’t very exhilarating to watch over the winter.
Call me a nerd, but I find it fascinating that these magnificent plants can withstand the elements over and over again for hundreds of years. Although trees are more pleasing to the eye in the spring or fall, the process (called dormancy) is essential to its growth. You can prevent a tree from going into “hibernation” by keeping it inside and regulating the light and temperature of its habitat. And while this may keep it looking temporarily beautiful, it’s actually harmful to the tree and decreases its lifespan.
I find that trees often parallel lessons in life. And at the risk of you labeling me a tree-hugging hippie, I’m asking you to stay with me here.
God guides us through so many different seasons of life. Some seasons are exciting, adventurous, beautiful and pleasing to us. But there are also seasons that may seem bleak, slow and lackluster. Both kinds of seasons are essential to our growth. We can’t jump into something that looks appealing at the first sign of “winter” to avoid what winter will inevitably bring.
I just spent a year of my life experiencing new cultures, new people, new everything! And now I am working at a frozen yogurt joint cleaning up gummy bears that are smashed into the floor. And even though I don’t know why I am here scrapping gummy bears, I know I will look back on this season in appreciation.
Trees are still alive and growing on the inside when the things that surround them seem barren. The slower seasons of your life can still be exciting! And know that after a period of dormancy, the promise of spring brings new, rapid beautiful growth…just at the perfect time.
