A Time for Renewal

The anticipation of Spring brings with it a hope for renewal. Waiting for the snow to melt, the grass underneath to green and the trees to bud. Sometimes I reflect on this time of year as a more perfect time to make resolutions to renew and grow as individuals, as opposed to the traditional time on the calendar of January 1.  As a Christian, this time for renewal lends itself to the Easter season when we reflect on the resurrection of Christ and the miracles surrounding this joyful time in this season of rebirth.

I am encouraged at this time of year to look forward with hope at the upcoming beauty of spring.  So many of my contemporaries don't understand why I still choose to live in a place with what some consider "harsh" winters. I love the beauty of snowfalls and the crunch of snow beneath my feet. Nothing beats a hot cup of tea, a cozy fire and a cat on your lap. I love the crispness of Fall and the colors that it brings. Besides if you have a long winter, it helps you appreciate the coming of Spring that much more. And appreciate it I do; by this time of year I can hardly wait for the daffodils.

So I view the coming of spring as a chance for new beginnings. I have created several new "resolutions" for myself including the traditional resolutions of exercising more and eating right. I also have a tendency to look back at past mistakes and hope that I can learn from them. Looking at my past frequently brings to mind a poem that was sent to me during a very difficult time of my life, a divorce, and it inspired me and lifted me up. It still inspires me to this day:

Comes the Dawn

After awhile you learn the subtle difference between holding a hand and chaining a soul. And you learn that love doesn’t mean leaning and company doesn’t always mean security. And you begin to learn that kisses aren’t contracts and presents aren’t promises.

And you begin to accept your defeats with your head up and your eyes ahead, with the grace of a woman, not the grief of a child.

And you learn to build all your roads on today because tomorrow’s ground is too uncertain for plans, and futures have a way of falling down in mid-flight.

After awhile you learn that even sunshine burns if you get too much—so you plant your own garden and decorate your own soul instead of waiting for someone to bring you flowers.

And you learn that you really can endure, that you really are strong, and you really do have worth.

And you learn and you learn.

With every goodbye you learn.

                                                            Veronica A. Shoffstall