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Living in a rural area, I have the distinct pleasure of observing the cycles of nature first hand. Each season brings it's own version of simple pleasures one can only appreciate by being there. While these cycles may seem insignificant or redundant to some, I can't help but stand in awe at the peace and serenity I feel as I stand by and watch the wonder of nature unfold before my eyes. Some of my articles, like this one, I repeat each year to remind us all life brings small blessings we should cherish regardless of our present circumstances. This morning, the robins returned to our fields and once again, I bring you....
LESSONS FROM THE ROBINS IN FALL
The robins are back! They come in early spring and stay only about six weeks. It's long enough to fill their bellies, build their nests, lay their eggs and nurture their young. As quickly as they came, the babies are ready to fly and they are off again to parts unknown. They announce the coming of the Hummingbirds, the Orioles, the little Chickadees, and a host of other wildlife that stick around for a while if you're nice enough to give them a little food for enticement. As with all good things, it doesn't last forever, but I know they will return after a long, hot summer...
You know summer is over when the Robins return. They feast on your bird feeders for a week, maybe three, and when they take flight, you begin to think they are the leaders as all the other birds follow soon after. This time, they are flying south to a warmer climate. Only a few will remain over the winter.
This year, the Robins came early. When they come, I know the steamy sweltering air of summer will soon be replaced by a cool, crisp breeze and I can breathe a little easier. The last of late summer blooms are replaced by seed heads. The vibrant colors of fall foliage sets in as leaves begin to fall and drift slowly to the ground. As they gather in larger numbers, you know in one fell whoosh of the wind, they'll be gone.
With the passing of the sizzling summer's heat, children play outside a little longer and seem to laugh a little louder. It's time for riding bikes and noticing the changing landscape around you. Even the bugs seem to be waning. You enjoy your porch more without stinky, itchy insect repellants and bug swatters slapping away and detracting from the silence of the setting sun.
Long, hot summer days are transforming into peaceful moments spent contemplating the closing of the year. Now is when you take a breather from all the hustle bustle activities of summer and the approaching holiday season. It's not quite time to break the slow, easy evenings with all the planning of activities, entertaining and gearing up for all that holiday cheer. You can pull out those light sweaters and take long leisurely strolls in the chilled night air just for fun instead of exercise.
Fall is my "lullabye" season. It's my time to take it easy. I can slow down for a short while, stop and count my blessings before revving up for the winter season and all the activities before the end of the year.
Make this your "lullabye" time. Over the next month, indulge yourself with long hot baths in candlelight. Renew your spirit by reading a good book or two instead of gazing mindlessly at television. Just stop.... and listen.
Enjoy nature before the winter chill sets in. Enrich your senses. Enjoy the nightly bursts of thunder or rain that herald the end of summer. Watch the birds of fall. Summer's birds are leaving us until spring, only to be replaced by a whole new colony of chattering travelers on their way south and a few that may decide to stay. Even the stars seem brighter this time of year.
This fall take the time to notice the wonders of life surrounding you. Realize fall is God's gift of a lullabye.