What is big around here? What is my focus on lately? S P R I N G!!!!!
It is my favorite time of year! The time when my indoor stuff starts getting neglected. The time when I start using words like annuals and perennials, and I travel around central Iowa to watch my teens participate in spring sports. The time when I can finally attempt to get rid of a few Christmas pounds because I can walk, jog and garden OUTSIDE. So exciting! Spring gets a blue ribbon!
Beautiful Green
Last year my neighbor asked me what kind of project I have going in front of my house. When I looked confused, she said explained how she has seen me in front of my house often, looking toward the ground for long periods of time. “Oh.” I responded, “No project, just checking my flowers. My perennials have popped through the ground and I like to check their progress…often.” Her face told me that my crazy shone through loud and clear.
I can’t help it. The mystique of green, new life fascinates me. Hope rekindles when the cold and dead are replaced with warmth and growth. New life isn’t something I can create. I can only encourage a fertile environment and a lonely seed, which turns into an amazing creation that points to an all powerful Creator. Amazing.
On top of plant life, we witness new animal life too. My husband found a rabbit nest in our flower bed. He probably regrets sharing this discovery with the rest of us. I am guessing he would have gotten rid of the pests so they don’t grow into frustrating flower eaters. But instead his family falls for the little cuties and swoons over them daily. The baby rabbits really are amazing little creations. And yes, if they start eating my flowers, they better run.
Spring Sports
In addition to basking in the blooms of the land, I am enjoying the warmer weather while watching my teenagers do their thing! My son and daughter both run in the school track program. At the meets, they love hanging out with friends in the sunshine, taking a break from their social time to run a race here and there. And I love to watch it all happen! Many fond memories have been made while sitting in the stands. I encourage the runners and soak in the sun while eating my Super Nachos. So fun. Spring gets a blue ribbon.
Our international student Ky participates in the school golf program. And I have to say, that kid can keep up with the best of them. As a freshman, he often ties the score of the seniors, getting recognition on our local sports radio and props from the school. If we want to watch him, we have to be on the course at the first hole. We can’t find the team if we show up late. They move holes too quickly.
My husband and son golfed with Ky last fall. Let’s just say they left that game with their tails between their legs. Ky out drove them 99% of the time and earned an impressing winning score.
Outside Exercise!
As I have written about in past blogs, my exercise routine changes fairly often. Some years I speed walk. Some years I jog. For a while I joined a Zumba class. A couple years ago I enjoyed kick boxing at 163 Fitness. Now I am back into jogging.
No matter what exercise I choose, it has to be done indoors during the winter months. I jog on the treadmill in my basement during the months of November through February to try to keep a up a little physical dignity and self worth. I don’t mind this for awhile. But the moment the ice melts off the street and the wind reaches a tolerable strength and temp, I am outside jogging with a smile. I love feeling the sun and hearing the birds. The change of scenery as I move around town keeps my mind off the hard work I am doing.
And as much as others tease me about the gardening obsession, it definitely helps in the exercise department! All the walking around while looking at my plants, bending over while working with the dirt, digging big and small holes while planting, hauling pots and watering cans- all of this helps with cardio and muscle building. All while doing something I love. Another bonus of Spring!
Not Perfectly Perfect
Now don’t get me wrong, a few drawbacks do come with spring. The pollen causes my allergies to go haywire. One wrong sniff outdoors and I can be miserable for three days. In addition, the school craziness- the sporting activities combined with concerts, field trips, parent meetings and local festivals, are enough to take me down to a permanent fetal position until summer. I expected parenthood to be expensive, but no one told me about all the driving, listening, permission slip signing, required volunteering, sack lunch preparing and just plain being present that comes with parenting. And most of these parental requirements fall in the months of March, April and May. Hang in there parents. I am right there with ya. Maybe sleep will come your way in June, or at the very latest when retirement rolls around.
Despite a few drawbacks, Spring still takes first place in my world. I can’t help but smile when I look outside at 7am to see an abundance of yellow sunlight. The yellow is wrapped around buds, blossoms and long awaited green grass. The birds celebrate right along with me that time of day. And I anticipate a stroll through my 1 inch perennials, a jog in the fresh air and an evening track meet. New life, a new season and new progress.
Great is Thy faithfulness.
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