Sunday: Sunny skies and 72 degrees.
Monday: Sunny skies and 72 degrees.
Tuesday: Sunny skies and 72 degrees.
The monotony of such a forecast can be enticing. You know what to expect; no sudden downpours catching you unaware, no blizzards holding you hostage for days on end, no sweltering heat with its accompanying stress headache.
But today I thought, what if I gave up the four seasons for just one?
That would mean no more fall with its breathtaking beauty, a constant reminder that this world was made beautiful for me to enjoy.
No more winter snowstorms magnifying the splendor of the world with its pristine newness covering up, even if for a short time, any ugliness that exists beneath it.
No more spring, ushering in better times, sunshine and renewal into a fatigued, cold world.
Could I give that up?
I remember once standing outside while a tornado raged in front of my eyes. I stood frozen, watching with intense fascination as it wreaked havoc at everything in its unfortunate path. I knew I should run to a safer place but the power of the oxymoronic beautiful terror was as compelling as the beach is on a perfect day, and it all but paralyzed me.
It leads me to think of my life, a cacophony of seasons and storms: of tornadoes and sun showers, of hurricanes and magnificent, multi-colored trees, of short, dark days and abundant sunshine, and I wonder: Would I give up the turbulence for endless sunshine?
And the answer is no. For I know that the strongest trees in the forest withstand the harshest of winds and if for nothing else, then for the triumph of standing tall against the violent winds, I will welcome, rather than resent, the seasons in my life.
16 comments:
When I read your first paragraph, I thought, "No way! She's got to be kidding." Who likes stagnancy? Even me the I-hate-change person, I still like the fact that we have seasons. Also, I believe that if you never have winter, you don't appreciate summer, and vice versa. And it keeps you hoping... I can't wait for summer, for fall, for winter, whatever. I'm glad your final paragraph says you chose "no" :) (Smart girl)
Where i live.. the weather is insane..literally driving through rain clouds..snowing one day 60 degrees the next..variety is the spice of life..gotta love it! :)
The same applied to life..which i do think you referred to metaphorically at the end. If life was always idyllic and sunny and happy..would that work? We need to the turbulent times to appreciate the beauty of the world and the goodness that we have!
Totally agree with you......bring on the madness. It makes me feel alive.
I'd take 72 degrees every day. I really, really think I could appreciate that beauty every single day even without the turbulent weather.
And...same with life. I've had the storms and the sunshine and the hurricanes...and that's what made me who I am today. But...I'm ready for 72 degrees every day now.
I can totally relate. I love the whole weather metaphor and how you tied the weather to real life. Nicely done!
The ups and downs of life is what makes every day a new adventure.
iRiR, Exactly! I'm glad I didn't disappoint you :-).
aminspiration, Oh wow, that is very spicy :-). Yup, we need the turbulence to appreciate the good.
colloquiallyspeaking, Are you still saying that (re: your post today)?
Mystery Woman, Forget about appreciating. What about what it does to you? Sometimes there is beauty in the beast; so much to learn, so many opportunities to build up after the storm, to repair the damage with something stronger and better and more beautiful.
Would we ASK for it?
No.
But being that we can't control the circumstances in our lives just as we can't control the seasons and the storms, I think that we might as well appreciate it and make the most of it as we wait for it to pass...
Frum Single Guy; Thank you. Glad you enjoyed it :-).
This is a beautiful, beautiful post.
You came to an amazing conclusion at the the end-something which takes a lot of srength to come out and say. Although tough time sare hard, they build us into who we are today. To be able to look back and say you welcome the different seasons in your life is really something!
May Hashem grant you the strength you need to withstand the harsh winters and may you experience many joyful springs and relaxing, happy summers too!
I agree with that. I think it made me a better person. I even once wrote a post like that. I'm just saying that it's enough. I'd like 72 degrees every day...from now on. :)
Well said! While i personally love warm weather and would love for it to be 72 degrees every day, i agree with your point. The season change is nice. Spring brings forth so much excitment because i know there's warm months coming up ahead and summer is bliss. Even though in fall i know there's the winter coming i still enjoy the different color leaves on the trees. And winter-sorry don't have anything good to say about it except i'm glad it's almost over! :)
Sir, this was so eloquently expressed!!!! You really made me think. I think is the stormy days that make me appreciate the sunny days. And like you said, we can sometimes see that silver lining in the clouds. So let's thank Hashem for the good days as well as the "Bad" ones....
beautiful
Hmm… consistency, or lack of volatility sounds nice to me, but I understand how the status-quo can become stagnant after a while. But to what extent is that true? If we are constantly seeking change, when is it enough?
On a side non-philosophical note, does that mean next winter you’d like to help dig out my car? :-p
just saw your reply today.....and the answer is yes. cause it makes me feel....even if it makes me feel like that.
Devorah: Thank you so much. Amen!
Mystery Woman: I remember that post. I know. May you be blessed with many sunny, happy days and the strength to get through the storms.
My Single Moment: You expressed it quite well yourself :-).
Anonymous: Thank you. Yeah...
smb: Thank you.
SiBaW: I don't think I said that I actually seek change. Just that I try to see and appreciate the opportunities in what's inevitable, be it the actual four seasons or the seasons in life. Unfortunately, we often can't control the goings-on in our lives so we may as well make the most out of what we're given.
:-) If I ever finish with mine...
colloquiallyspeaking: Wow, that's pretty amazing. Still, I wish you much strength to get through this very soon!
I'm behind on the times, again...just wanted to say I love this post!
Beautiful post! Great metaphor, it really made me rethink certain events in my life. I used to think of much of the stormy times-as monsters that I'd just try to hide under my bed.
Thank you, and May Hashem always give you strength to see beauty in your life, and to share it with others.
Chag Kasher V'sameach!
Post a Comment