Changing seasons

Alaskans refer to springtime as “breakup” season, the time when the winter’s accumulation of snow melts, days grow longer and temperatures creep higher during the day and remain below freezing at night. This transition is unpredictable, with snow one minute, and rain or sunshine the next. Streets are covered in gravel used to provide traction during the winter and as snow melts from the yards, the debris of a long winter is revealed.

With my unexpected gift of retirement from my job of 30+ years, I expected to sleep in more. But while I dread waking early and heading out the door at 6am, this morning walk has become a daily ritual, a time to connect with my husband, and a way to start the day with fresh air and exercise. Our two-mile walk allows us to slow down, connect with ourselves and our world, and observe the passing of our days and the seasons.

As we took our daily walk this morning it was a brisk 26 degrees. The sun was shining as we walked up the street and trampled through the woods, tossing a bright orange bumper for the yellow Labrador pup and watching the aging husky mix explore the far edge of the woods. Today, the sun is still hidden behind the mountains to the East, but the sky is brightening with the promise of longer days.

As I think about break-up this year, in the midst of my midlife timeout, I see many similarities between the world I walk in — and this midlife season. Perhaps you may also see ways that you can step back and learn from your changing seasons.

Is it time to “break up” with some things in your life? As I create new rhythms and settle in to notice the patterns, I realize that it’s time to let some things melt away so that I can make room for new. I no longer need to hold tight to some burdens I’ve been carrying, almost out of habit and without enough thought for if they’re still necessary. What activities or even mindsets are no longer necessary? What can you let go to make space in your life to allow room for these changes?

Do you need new, lighter gear? I’ve traded my heavy winter coat, boots, hat, scarf and gloves for lighter weight gear and layers to accommodate changing weather patterns. Likewise, as I move into a new season of life, I want to travel more lightly, be nimble and flexible so I can adjust to change. What steps can you take to create more flexibility in your life? What is holding you back or dragging you down in this season? How can you streamline your days to give yourself some breathing space?

Have you accumulated debris that clutters your mind and soul? Like the gravel on the road and the leaves and branches scattered around my yard, I notice I’ve accumulated a little clutter in my life. Look at your home, your yard, your schedule, with new eyes. Are there ways you can streamline or simplify? Can you remove unnecessary items? What is essential, true and important?

In short, this transition is about getting ready to adapt to what God has in store for you in the next season of your life!