Sandals and Boots, Boots and Sandals

Seasons.

Every time I think I have a favourite time of year, I change my mind when the new one comes around.

Summer is never long enough for me considering my roots. Until those first cold crisp evenings settle in and I have to bring out those cozy warm sweaters that I love.

And I watch as the swiftly turning leaves dry up and fall to the ground.

And the spice of cinnamon and nutmeg get into every pastry and drink and candle.

And I want the browns and oranges and deep greens to fill my apparel and the throws on my couch.

And the evenings begin to fill with Fall pleasantries. Thanksgiving. Pumpkin Festivals. Hot drinks.

The transition of family time.
We begin to sit around the family room more often with each of our own hot drinks in hand.
Instead of running around in the warm summer evenings, the sun sets faster and we settle in together at home.

Then it's that first snow fall.
And the earmuffs and gloves cover our ears and fingers.
And we go sliding down that first snowy hill.
And we try building that first snowman of the season.

And then before you know it,
The layers become less.
The snow boots are replaced for ones better suited for rain.

And the sun shines a bit longer.
And the leaves come back on the branches in their bright fresh colours.

And before you know it,
Another year has gone by.

Another set of 4 seasons has run it's cycle.
And soon the sandals will all too quickly be replaced with boots again.

And I realize, I might as well appreciate all the goodness in every season.
From sandals to boots. Boots to sandals.
They change so swiftly, that if I don't choose to enjoy it rapidly, it will pass me by and take with it,
A set of precious months and a chunk of time I will not ever get back.

Time is precious.
Seasons are precious.

And with every changing season,
I hope I took advantage of each one.
Instead of frowning about the cold that begins to settle in.

Good Morning

Light a candle. 
Then, actually sit down to breathe it's calming scent inside you.  

Next, let that natural morning light come in. 
And enjoy it. 

Make a hot drink. And actually notice the way it soothes the morning throat.
 And drink it until you see the bottom of the cup. 

Open up the windows.
And look through them for awhile.

Open up the door.
And let the newly made air into your body. 

This is morning time. 

Take in fresh.
Take in new. 

Morning, there is something about you. 
Maybe its the temporarily rested brain I have for a few moments as I sit and drink something warm. 
Maybe its that I know, restless sleep or not, that cool crisp air will still settle within my body every morning.
And I'll breath it back out to take in a bit more.


Inhale.
Exhale.


Inhale.
Exhale.


A new day has come.
And no matter how many overwhelming tasks may fill it,
Its a fresh start. 


And I'll take this day, one moment at a time. 


Some years, its one week at a time.
Some weeks, its one day at a time.
Some days, its one hour at a time.
And even some hours, I pace myself and if I have to, I'll take one minute at a time.


Its okay to slice up the day into however many increments needed to accomplish the day. 
God has given us time for a reason.


Maybe its because we're human. 
Maybe its because he understood that without minutes, hours, days, sunrises and sunsets, we would become overwhelmed. 


He is good. So good and so knowing about the inner workings of our own minds that He knew just how to set time in it's perfect cycle for us to accomplish this life. 


Take advantage of His goodness. 
Take a minute at a time if you have to in some moments.

Choose to breathe in and out. 
Take in the start of each day.


And remind yourself,
He is here.


Inhale.
Exhale.


A sigh a relief. Maybe several sighs of relief today.
Because somedays, I need more reminders than others of his presence. 

Just like the morning consistently provides a fresh start.
 He is here. 

So breathe, and take Him with you every second at a time.