The seasons change throughout the year just as do the seasons of our lives.
Today I am sitting in my husband’s childhood home in Salt Lake City, Utah watching and waiting for the season of life to come to a close for his mother. It was just 11 months ago that I was flying from Thailand to Seattle to attend my own father’s funeral as his earthly season came to a close. As I pondered the different seasons of our lives it makes me wonder if I have learned to truly enjoy, love and respect each one. When the life season of someone we love comes to a close it gives us time to pause and reflect upon our individual morality.
I was speaking with a friend at lunch last week, she too is a cancer survivor, and we were discussing how cancer changed our views of living life and preparing for death. I came to realize that in reality I was not truly living life to the fullest prior to having cancer. I was merely breathing while running to get the next thing done on my extensive "To Do" list and just trying to survive the daily grind while hoping to enjoy a few moments of happiness along the way. After cancer I became more content with life. I am joyful and happy. I take each day at a time and reflect on my daily blessings. I try to live each day to the fullest. I have learned to let most of the everyday tedious and worrisome stuff roll off my back. I am learning new things. I rejoice in future trials - because they will cause me to grow. I love my family, my friends and myself so much more and relish my personal relationships. This season of life has been good to me in many ways.
My thoughts then changed as I held my mother-in-law’s hand in mine. I could see the seasons of change - her hands. They were cold, withered and small; while mine were warm, young and strong. Her hands were hands of service to family and friends - can my hands withstand the changing of the seasons? Will they continue to serve others until they become cold and tired? It is my prayer that as I move forward and as the seasons change around me that I will continue to be happy, be joyful and be of service until my season comes to a close.
