As the light changes...gradually

Seasons change, and as they do they bring with them the excitement of possibility.  The possibility of seeing old friends during the holidays, of snowshoeing in the woods in the dead of winter, of picnicking in the park or swimming in the river in the heat of summer, and the fun of harvesting apples in the fall.   I find myself wondering:  What will I discover? What will I experience?  Where will I go?

But as I wonder I also find myself caught up in my dreams of what could happen.  I find myself transforming these dreams into expectations.  Expectations of what winter, spring, summer and fall should be like.  Of what I should do.  Its moments when this happens that I have to remind myself life is not a race.  And although time is not endless for us, it is important to remember to enjoy what is happening around us rather then letting our expectations of what it should be like keep us from feeling unfulfilled or disappointing.  In this respect I'm always looking for small ways to appreciate what is happening around me.

As I have gotten older I have noticed the shifting of the light more profoundly between seasons then I ever have before.  I am thankful for this because it allows me to mark the passage of time, but also to realize that I am witnessing it happen in a way that is more present.  I remember simply being amazed at how it was suddenly so dark or suddenly light out till late into the evening.  It always seemed to catch me off guard before.  However, recently I've been witnessing the change.  Appreciating how gradual it is and realizing that this how most of life happens. Gradually.

Gradually, is a new frame of mind for me.  While I like to believe I am fairly patient, realizing the gradual nature of the seasons and of life has helped quiet my expectations and allowed me to witness opportunities and experiences bloom rather then feeling disappointment when something doesn't happen NOW.   Perhaps this is just a right of passage, a part of growing older.  Regardless, I for one, am simply thankful that I have come to appreciate it. 

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