About this time of year, it's easy to catch spring fever, especially since this month's ice and snow have given way to some days of sunshine and spring-like weather. But I've made up my mind not to rush things. If more cold -- or even more snow and ice -- come yet this month or next, I'm not going to complain or wish I could fast-forward to spring and warm weather.
Why not? Well, I used to get anxious for April and May to arrive about mid-February. After all, who needs those cold winds of late February and March when the warm days of late April and May are just around the corner? But then I start thinking about how fast the years fly by and the fact that the time I have left here in this world is a lot shorter than it used to be. If I spend my time wishing to fast forward to spring, I'm skipping out on days and hours God has given me to live -- even if it may be cold outside, or the snow may reach just a few inches shy of my waist as it did back in 2011.
Though not quite the same, I remember the words of a youth minister back in the days when I was still a youth. He said he worked with so many people who, all week long, said they just couldn't wait for the weekend to arrive.
"I'm not going to wish away my life," he said, calling each day a gift of God and a day to be lived for His glory.
Instead of wishing it was spring during the cold days of winter or wishing fall would hurry up and arrive during the hot days of summer, I figure it would be a lot smarter to just regard each day as a gift of God and enjoy it, whether cold outside or hot. The seasons and years pass quickly enough without wishing I could speed up the clock.
The same is true of putting off doing things one enjoys until later because of the weather -- or a host of other excuses. A number of times, I found myself putting off outings with a camera until those spring greens or fall reds arrive, only to miss many opportunities to do what I enjoy. And when I have gone out, even on days that seemed less than ideal, I've always found interesting new things to photograph. After all, that perfect day or that perfect time to do this or that may never come. It's a lot wiser to make full use of each day and every time.
Anyway, this philosophy has helped a lot with the winter weather (and those hot summer days), even if a part of me would welcome the warm afternoon breezes and the chirping of frogs in the night. Instead of staying inside and waiting for warmer weather, I spent a bit more time outdoors in the cold and ice, enjoying each day and going about my work. Shoveling snow and scraping ice kept me warm and once I managed to get out and about the countryside was beautiful. As an added benefit, I didn't get bit by a single mosquito or chigger the whole time I was outdoors -- there are benefits to the cold!
So, if the snow all melts away and the weather stays warm and nice, I won't complain. But, on the other hand, if the remaining weeks of winter bring more snow and cold -- even if the snow can once again be measured in feet instead of inches -- I'll take that too and enjoy each day and its challenges.
Spring will get here soon enough without giving up any of the days of winter. Life, too, passes quickly enough without wishing away any of the days or times God has given us here to consider His goodness and mercy and live for Him.
Randy Moll is the managing editor of the Westside Eagle Observer. He may be contacted by email at [email protected]. Opinions expressed are those of the author.