All Seasons

The weather has not felt like winter has arrived much, as we approach Christmas and snow along with other wintry weather is evident in different parts of the world.  With the  dry spells that have been filled with warm days, I kept wondering if the next season would finally make its presence known.  It also made me think about the periods of time when we expect things to occur in a certain manner and by a certain time, because it is that time of year, while sometimes things meander in a very different direction.  When I was younger, I recall that I would get impatient when my expectations were not met by a certain period of time and then disappointment would be inevitable as it would manifest itself in one form or another.  After this contemplation, I suddenly realized when having these thoughts about the season that I was really eliminating the fact that I should find joy in the present regardless.  I failed to reflect on the people across the globe, who would love to have this perceived problem of mine dealing with warmer than average weather at this time of year.  Subsequently, last Sunday morning I caught an interview that was being held in Beijing, China, where people buy roasted chestnuts on the street.  The weather appeared to be bitterly cold and most folks savored the fact that the warm bags of these famous seasonal nuts also provided added warmth to their hands as they walked outside in this harsh weather.  It was in that moment of watching this, when I had that epiphany about my lack of appreciation for the weather outside my very own window.  These folks on the other side of the world would enjoy a milder climate for sure, with less bundles of clothing and having to contend with freezing temperatures as they walk to work, school or their neighborhood store.  I am thankful for the revelation that this had in my life, just to be reminded about having appreciation for all things in all seasons and not just the ones that we clamor for.  Things don't always have to follow a certain path in order for you to enjoy the steps that are taken along the way, as it has been shown time and again that usually this can be the most joyful of experiences in one's life.  So, regardless of which is your favorite season of the year and how much you want it to arrive, be mindful and present in the current one.  What I have seen over the course of getting older, is that many folks don't necessarily make it to the following holiday season or perhaps are hoping to have just enough days of health to celebrate one last time with their families and loved ones.  The fact is that all days and seasons that come with it, should be acknowledged with gratitude, joy and some humility, as we need to count our blessings to have made it past another milestone time of year.