Celebrate Every Season
In Lake County we get to enjoy all of the seasons, even though they manifest themselves at half the intensity as in other locations we’ve lived, such as the Midwest or Scotland. Because of my S.A.D. (Seasonal Affective Disorder), I would do best in a tropical location with a consistent number of daylight hours, or live as a “snowbird” who follows the longer days. But, in God’s grace and sovereignty, He has us here and I love it.
I also love color, and the different seasons offer us a great variety. Fall is probably the most popular for many folk, while spring’s bursting of blossoms and plant life signals new life. Summer harvests tantalize our eyes and our taste buds, and the starkness of winter’s neutral colors seem peaceful and serene. Each one has it’s beauty and shouts of God’s glory.
As a young girl growing up in a rural area, I enjoyed seasonal activities and seasonal foods. Daddy had a huge garden, we ate fresh produce every day, we gave away large quantities to friends and neighbors, and Momma either froze or canned the surplus. A special treat we had in late spring or early summer was Fresh Strawberry Pie.
It was how we survived on a very low income. It was “normal” to me.
When we got married, I thought I had to do as Momma did, including all the freezing and canning. Well, it didn’t take me too long to realize I didn’t like doing most of it. It is hard work. I’ve enjoyed making jams, and freezing a few bags of apples and pears for pies in the winter, but, no… I don’t want to do all the rest and spend my summer days sweating in a hot kitchen.
It’s only been in the last few years that I can get through a summer harvest season without feeling guilty for not being “Cathy Canner” and “Freda Freezer.” I don’t have to go pick, glean, or purchase huge boxes of fresh fruit and vegetables to “put up” as the older generation would say. I can afford to purchase what I need when I need it, and personally I am not feeding a big family. I do admire those women who carry on this tradition, but I don’t have to be them. Whew!
Why do we compare ourselves to others so much of the time?
Why do we set unrealistic expectations to make us feel better, only to fail and then feel guilty? One season cannot be compared to another, but rather appreciated for its diversity and individual beauty. Similarly, we can’t be expected to be like each other. I will never be the pioneer-style woman Momma was, nor am I asked to be.
As we grow older and spend more time seeking the Lord, we become more contented in who we are, and we look for the beauty in each of the seasons in our lives. We are each so very unique, and we need to celebrate who we are in Christ.
He has made us for His glory, and He celebrates us:
The Lord your God is with you,
the Mighty Warrior who saves.
He will take great delight in you;
in his love he will no longer rebuke you,
but will rejoice over you with singing. – Zephaniah 3:17 (NIV)
GOD IS GOOD, ALL THE TIME!
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When you said “Daddy had a huge garden” It sparked a realization in me, that in my growing up years in my Southern California neighborhood home, SO MANY of the daddies were the ones that tended the home gardens! Where I lived they would commute home daily from the L.A. factories and work in their BEAUTIFUL, abundant backyard gardens. Hummm, perhaps a very healthy way of decompressing after a long day of a different kind of physical and mental work? And they knew HOW to garden, perhaps the first generation off the family farm?
Can’t wait to try the strawberry pie recipe! Also, Cathy Canner & Frieda Freezer have a friend in me! Yikes! Add Gerty Gardener! However, just can’t let it go yet!
Sharon,
I think I’ve wanted to be Gerty Gardener, too! Good one!
I believe it’s a good lesson for all young ladies that we can’t do it all, as much as we want to. We weren’t made to, nor should we carry the pressure and stress.
Thanks and blessings!
Becky
I finally have a day to myself to catch up on my favorite blog and boy am I glad I did. Being pregnant has made me reflect on how I want to be as a mom which quickly turned into comparing myself to others and finding all of my potential short comings. I’m not like anyone else and I forget how great that can be. Thank you for always saying what my heart needs to hear. <3
Becca “Sue”
You are loved, cherished, special, unique, and valued! Don’t let yourself listen to the enemy’s lies when he wants you to compare or criticize yourself. You know the truth, and I will continue to encourage you to walk in it! I’m here for you; you know where I live…
Always!! <3