Webster’s Dictionary defines ‘spring’ as a sudden jump upward or forward. The tradition of Easter in Christianity celebrates Jesus coming forward or upward from death and the grave. The Spring Equinox recognizes our sun springing forward across the equator to bring longer days of light and warmth to our Earth. That brings plants and animals into a season of increasing growth and activity. So, while we may not have winter in the way the frozen snowy north does, or lie dormant like the tundra; I definitely feel the need to ‘spring.’
I am seeing signs of Spring everywhere. One day my favorite tree looked dead and the next day it had ‘jumped forward’ to having small green leaves sprouting on every branch. I need to spring into Spring! I need to spring out of my recliner and cast off those winter blahs along with my fuzzy sweatpants and lingering lethargy and move forward with warmer longer days that include time in the garden, skin exposed to sunshine and fresh air, energy for family and fun, time on the boat fishing and long walks in the breezy outdoors.
Many times we feel as dormant as the living things around us. Like the dark soil covers growing things, dark and dreary days cover us too. It is amazing that life gives us what we need like times of light and warmth and times of dark and cool, periods of high energy and growth and periods of rest and recovery. I so often bellyache about winter and cold and short days and bundled up inside nights. I love the warmer weather. This year I am very aware of the purpose and promise that winter brought to me just like it does to the growing living world around us. I tried hard to be not just aware but grateful for the time and space and opportunity to sit quietly, rest, restore and refurbish. Like the growing things around us we need slower times to energize for the other times.
Yes, I still choose Spring! I love sunshine, warm days, daffodils in bloom, lettuce in the garden. I love swimming and fishing and cooking on the grill. I welcome Spring with the exuberance of a newly hatched chick or a gamboling new calf in a green meadow full of wildflowers. Still, I am grateful for Winter, its stored potential, the hidden riches of rest and relaxation. I am trying to remember the balance of seasons brings balance to life. Still, I am really glad to put away my sweats and jackets and see warmer temperatures and sunny days. I hope to remember the lesson of Spring in the dormant dreariness of next Winter. For now, I am just excited to go dig in the garden and pick a few flowers for my table. Happy Spring!
