For every thing there is a season

I buy my calendars for the New Year, usually in the fall. I love picking them out, and then waiting for the day I take the old one down and put up the new one. I have said before how much I love the change of seasons. They give me something new to look forward to. I love them all. To me they have not only physical beauty in their differences, but also it is a time mentally and spiritually to think of "change".

Spring is about new life and revival

Summer is about enjoying the growth

Fall is for bringing in the harvest

Winter is for quiet, rest and contemplation

This is my calendar in the kitchen by Marjolein Bastin. I so enjoy her endearing artwork of animals and nature. Each month I look forward to see what she has painted from her own home in The Netherlands.

As I put it up recently I paid special attention

 to the quote for January.

"In seed time learn, in harvest teach, in winter enjoy."

William Blake 

It reminded me of the verses from Ecclesiastes.

Ecclesiastes 3:1-8

There is an appointed time for everything. And there is a time for every event under heaven
A time to give birth, and a time to die; A time to plant, and a time to uproot what is planted.
A time to kill, and a time to heal; A time to tear down, and a time to build up. 
A time to weep, and a time to laugh; A time to mourn, and a time to dance.
A time to throw stones, and a time to gather stones; A time to embrace, and a time to shun embracing.
A time to search, and a time to give up as lost; A time to keep, and a time to throw away.

A time to tear apart, and a time to sew together; A time to be silent, and a time to speak. 
A time to love, and a time to hate; A time for war, and a time for peace.

God provides the seasons. Each one is new and different. I need to learn and be mindful that each season is there for a purpose, a time to learn and grow, to experience life and His Presence. I want to be fully in the moment whatever He sends my way. To embrace the days He has for me.

I used to "grade" myself on productivity. Did I get accomplished what I needed to for the day? Did I waste my time? Lately I have had a shift in thinking. Live the day for what it is... meet it fully and learn from it.

To live my life for what it is, each and every day.

These pictures of the snow were taken

Sunday afternoon out my windows...

I love to feed the birds and squirrels, and an occasional possum, rabbit, and raccoon. Look at the tracks. There are all varieties.

These two evergreen trees in the back yard of our neighbor's are home to dozens of varieties of birds. Seeing them active on a day like this is wonderful.

This is a view out my front door. I have mentioned that we live right on the edge of the city and across the street is a wildlife and nature area with a large lake. The preserve is several miles wide and probably over one mile deep. Deer are protected and flourish there. They visit frequently to dine on my hydrangeas.

So this is what we saw Friday as we sat in the kitchen. Looking out the front door here also, I used my zoom lens to get a better picture of our little friends.

At one point we counted nine deer at one time.

So, I'm enjoying the Season. Winter can be a lonely and depressing time for some, but not for me. I always look forward to those days inside. For me it is a time to "regroup", to contemplate life, and to be thankful.

Enjoy whatever "season" you are in.

Blessings,

Debra