LIFE

While relaxing in our outdoor hot tub today, I looked around our yard, dormant in its winter state. Fruit trees are bare, as are the trees providing constant shade during those warm months. Gardens hold their withered leaves, snow hitting before they could be neatly manicured for the cold days ahead. Silent are the singing birds, calling out to one another from their hidden nests. The neighbor behind us, bouncing his basketball and throwing hoops, is inside now, bringing more stillness to the air. Another neighbor’s outdoor grill is not releasing the delicious scents of barbecue, no laughter from those gathered to participate in the celebration. Life isn’t over, though. Sprays of green buds will soon appear on trees, a new garden will appear, and the sounds of chirping birds and crickets, bouncing balls and joyful laughter, will come back again. I thank God for the continuing cycle of life, always filled with new experiences and beauty.