Today, I found myself wishing that Spring was here already. Autumn and Winter used to be my favorite seasons when I lived in New Jersey. For a reason that truly eludes me, Spring and Summer have become my favorite seasons here in Virginia. Sometimes, we find ourselves thinking or wishing for the next “season” in life instead of living and being present in the season we are in. I truly believe that each season in life has something to teach us, whether that season is challenging or one of many blessings.
Many times, we rush through life unaware of our present season instead of living our best time in it. We are always thinking of a future season that may or may not materialize because none of us is guaranteed another day or even another second. We go through life making plans, worrying about the future, and ignoring all the good that the season we are in brings with it. We say things like, “time is money,” or “time is of the essence;” however, in trying to capture time, at the same time, we are letting it go. Call it the pursuit of happiness or the pursuit of wealth, or any other thing that we might spend our entire life going after, when we look back, it is all that – a pursuit through time, always wishing for another season.
“To every thing, there is a season, and a time for every purpose under the heaven.” Ecclesiastes 3:1 KJV
I have to become before I become. As I wrote a few things that I want to accomplish this year, the thought crossed my mind. I may develop a detail plan, but it truly does not mean anything unless I start modeling behavior, acting as the person I want to become in order to achieve the target goal. I have to become, in my mind and in my doing, the person I want to eventually become. To illustrate, I will use a simple example, a common goal that most people set – to save x amount of money by a certain day. In order to do that, I have to act as a saver. I have to become/model the behavior of a saver, a person who saves money. I have to act/be what I want to become in order to achieve what I want to achieve. That is just a simple example, but depending on how many layers a goal might have, that will determine how many identities I might have to assume in order to make it real.
As a writer, writing characters, identities, personality traits … become second nature. Eventually, by repeating a specific behavior that is required to achieve a specific result/outcome will become second nature as well. Just as a character grows and develops throughout the pages of a story, so do we, when we model what we want to become. With each layer, each modeled behavior, we grow from one initial step to the next, and so on, just as a character grows/evolves from chapter to chapter or a series.
Depending on the complexity of a goal, that is how many identities one might have to assume. Going back to the example of saving money, I will evolve it to a few more layers, let’s say, saving x amount (first layer) to pay debt (second layer) in order to build wealth (third layer) for a safer future (fourth layer). There are a few layers on this financial goal.
Goal layers – Identity/behavior
Saving money = Saver
Debt free = Frugal person/conscientious of spending
Build wealth = Spend less than you earn/Financially literate
Safer future = Wealth manager/manage money wisely
In each level of progress, a new identity emerges that the previous identity will support; it all interrelates and works together, but without “acting out the part,” without becoming or modeling the appropriate behavior, nothing will happen. Many times, we become overwhelmed by looking at the outcome first, but in reality, it is much manageable and real when we just look at the first step/ the first behavior, and let it evolve from there.
“And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.” Romans 12:2 (NKJV)
“And have put on the new man who is renewed in knowledge according to the image of Him who created him.” Colossians 3:10 (NKJV)
A new year represents a fresh start for many of us. We evaluate the previous year, check a few boxes, and set new goals. Sometimes, we are disappointed because we did not accomplish as much as we wanted to in the previous year; other times, we are satisfied with our performance. For others, it represents a challenge because they can already identify the areas of struggle ahead.
Whether dread or inspiration, when we look at the new year, one thing that we can always count on is hope. Hope for a better year. Each day represents a blank canvas. We might have to deal with a few smudges here and there, but as long as we keep hope we can paint a new picture or add some color to the one we are painting.
When we feel hopeless it is as if we are covered in darkness. One cannot see the light; one cannot see the colors. Setting goals and planning is good; however, there are times when despite careful planning and hard work, things don’t go our way, or at first glance they don’t seem to go as expected. Add to that a few years of hard work, determination and no results, and it can break your spirit, and burn you out. If you have experienced it, you know well what I mean.
At one point or another, we all will experience setbacks, disappointments, heartache, hopelessness, and brokenness, to various degrees. It is how we view/react during those times that will determine our comeback and the length of time we stay in the shadows.
“I sought the Lord and He answered me; He delivered me from all my fears.” Psalm 34:4
It is good to set goals and to plan. To get somewhere there must be a destination and a map.
“Commit your works to the Lord, and your plans will be established.” Proverbs 16:3
It is a windy and rainy day; I love days like this one. I can see leaves falling and hear the wind, as the raindrops hit the window glass. There is a mystifying and peaceful feeling about it, very serene. I feel tucked-in, secure inside, the warmth of home. I guess nature mimics that feeling, because all critters do the same; they are nestled in their habitats. On days like this one, one can help it but reminisce and hope for the promises of the new year. Soon, the holidays will be here and gone, and we are left with the expectation of a brand-new year, a fresh opportunity to do better, but in reality, every brand-new day is just that, a gift, a new opportunity. Whether to keep on going, to start over, or simply, be grateful for what is, it is a blessed gift. Some people say, “what matters is this moment;” but I think that what matters is what I do with this moment; we all have to live it, one way or another.
When we cease to exist, moments do not matter anymore; it all blends into eternity. I guess where we’ll spend it matters. Challenges come and go, dreams do as well. We live and give meaning and purpose to our living or we strive looking for it. If we find it, we count ourselves lucky, blessed; if we don’t, we search all our life, or feel cursed, not knowing that the mere act of living has purpose in itself, if we dare to see. Life reveals itself. It reveals its miracles every single day, and all of it in the midst of our challenges and blessings. The breath of the Creator is in every one of us. Every time that we open our eyes to receive the blessing of another day is reason enough, purpose in itself, to make the best of what we are given. Life will never be perfect, and there will always be challenges, ups and downs, the unexpected, and the undesirable, but with it, also the human God-given capacity to dream, to hope, to love, and to feel every second of our experience here, until we come home.
“For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given, and the government shall be upon his shoulder; and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9:6
“May the Lord bless you and keep you; may the Lord shine his face upon you and be gracious to you; may the Lord lift up his face upon you and give you peace.” Numbers 6: 24-26
Wishing you a very merry Christmas, a happy holiday season, and a blessed new year.
We are starting to see more colors around here; we are at the border between Virginia and North Carolina, rural at its best, in my opinion. For nature lovers, the area is bliss, not so much for city lovers or lovers of entertainment; everything is far away. But there is magic in this season, in the air, and in the beauty of the natural surroundings. I have decorated the outdoors with nature’s offerings to receive the season.
Oh, the loveliness (Photo by M.A.D.)
Find the bird. Not sure why my phone took this picture of my backyard like this; looks like a painting. (Photo by M.A.D.)
Certainly, the tiniest frog around here; it is as big as that bolt. I relocated her to a nicer place in the garden. I love frogs. (Photo by M.A.D.)
Gourds, hydrangea cuts, and mums.
Photo by M.A.D.Photo by M.A.D.Photo by M.A.D.Photo by M.A.D.Photo by M.A.D.Photo by M.A.D.
It is the little things that make life sweet. If we only waited for the big things, the big successes, the big surprises, or the extraordinary things to be present, living would not be as sweet and meaningful. The little things that we sometimes fail to notice or take for granted, usually in the pursuit of something bigger, are the ones that take our breath away when we are present enough in living to notice them. An unexpected bloom in winter, the sunray illuminating the face of a child, the play of light and shadow in the woods at dusk … these are countless, unlimited moments that sweeten one’s day, when we care to notice. A big achievement brings joy, and a sense of pride and satisfaction, but it is the little things that remain after the big moment has passed. It is these little things and moments in life what refreshes a weary soul, sweetens a hectic day, and appease a restless spirit.
There is a crisp in the air, the birds are leaving, squirrels are starting to look busier, and leaves are changing. All of this speaks, Welcome Autumn! Inspired by all of this, I decided to welcome the season in a simple way.
A favorite cup of coffee (photo by M.A.D.)Hydrangeas from the garden (photo by M.A.D.)A tradition (photo by M.A.D.)Indulging scents (photo by M.A.D.)The porch (photo by M.A.D.)Oranges, reds, and yellows (photo by M.A.D.)The warmth of Home Sweet Home (photo by M.A.D.)
The pine trees are starting to give their presents, and I collected a wheelbarrow of these. I decided to spread the pinecones all over the front garden. Another bunch fell after that, possibly one or two more wheelbarrows full. We will put them to good use. Unfortunately, this year deer ate many plants, but I love to see them around, especially, the baby deer jumping and chasing crows. The crows are not afraid, they seem to play as well. A lovely sight.
A wheelbarrow full of presents (photo by M.A.D.)Pinecones made a lovely mulch (photo by M.A.D.)
Hope you enjoyed the photos, and that it inspired you to welcome the season as well.
“Then I will send rain on your land in its season, both autumn and spring rains, so that you may gather in your grain, new wine and olive oil.”Deuteronomy 11:14
For me, moving from Jersey to rural Virginia was a significant change; everything was different. Close to nine years have gone by, and I have learned to appreciate the natural beauty surrounding me. I miss many things about Jersey, and I think these will always be in my heart; however, home is what you make of it, and how you receive the blessing of another day. This Summer has been particularly very hot, with the exception of last week, which offered autumnal temperatures. I have never been a fan of weather that is too hot or humid, or of the sun; I prefer cooler temperatures, and I don’t like to spend too much time in the sun. I have never been a sun-bathing person; even as a kid growing up in Puerto Rico, I avoided the sun. My husband loves the sun and prefers Summer to any other season. With only a few more weeks of Summer, I find myself thinking of all the lovely things that I will not see around once this season gives way to another. Such things as Mama Deer with her babies, Mama Crows raising families together, and crows playing in the rain, all kinds of unexpected critters, giant mushrooms popping up everywhere, tending the garden and enjoying its offerings, unique butterflies, the first leaf that turns red, and so much more.
It all speaks of Home Sweet Home. Home is in the details.
Recently, I turned 60. For some reason, this birthday felt different, an important milestone, a rite of passage. I had a small get together at home to celebrate the occasion. I honestly can say that I don’t know how time went by so fast; yesterday, I was 20, today I am 60. Do I feel old? Not quite, but there are a few things that have changed physically. Maybe I am not able to ride a skateboard anymore, and for certain, as of lately, days feel shorter. A mind trick? Maybe.
That day, I asked for birthday advice and here is what I got: don’t eat sugar, walk every day, go window shopping (my husband), and enjoy life every single day. At first, it seemed like the words of wisdom I was expecting did not come through; however, after thinking about it a bit more, it was really good advice. Some writers tend to become a bit isolated, sedentary, and develop or nourish a sweet tooth; for me, this was good advice.
The days that followed, I pondered and reminisced about all the years gone by, and as expected, many questions came to mind, especially “what ifs.” Some decisions I regretted, some were smart, and many other could have gone better. There have been good times and not so good times. Times that could have broken my spirit but did not. Times of blessings, and times of hope, times of disappointment, and also regret. As written in the Bible, there is a time for everything under the sun. Could I have done better? Sure, I could have, and this is true for every person on this planet; no one is perfect.
After more pondering and soul searching, I adjusted my life map, and with God’s blessing, I am looking forward to the next chapters. One thing that came up from all that pondering was a new outlook and modus operandi. I will approach each day with this question in mind: what can I multiply today? Whether it is words, knowledge, steps (fitness), money, acts of love and kindness, or other time-worthy endeavor, I would love to multiply something each day.
I thought about the constants throughout my life. After all, I have experienced so many changes throughout the years, in all areas of life. I could see the constants and appreciate them more so: the love of God, the love of my husband, family, and friends, my pets, and peanut butter and jelly sandwiches; my love for these will never end, ditto for pizza.
My sister made this gorgeous cake. It was exquisite, as are all of her cakes. It was divine. Photo by M.A.D.
On that day, I wasn’t the only one shedding what doesn’t fit anymore. Photo by M.A.D. – a snake’s skin.
To all of you, a toast to living. And may,
“The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace.”Numbers 6: 24-26
Inkspeare 