And Even the Epiphany

The telltale sign of love lies deep beneath the surface of the mind, and so it does the earth's atmosphere."
​-Jetta

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Happy Saturday everyone, this blog post is going up a little later than my usual ones here on my website, but that is okay, it just shows I have been super busy studying to achieve my dreams. I have had a lot of epiphanies in my life, and I wanted to sidetrack from flying epiphanies and just stick with the seasons changing. Ever since I was little my favorite season has been summer just because my birthday so happens to be in June. However, what is really ironic is that it lies in the first part of June, so my birthday is actually in spring. It was not until the past two years that my mind has changed. 

I love harvest season in the fall just because it is so rewarding when a gardener gets to pick hers or his crops after a long season. Being a gardener really opens up so many new doors, which is really nice. Going through the whole process begins in the season of spring, and so that season to me is attributed to that of life. The seeds may not seem alive yet, but they hold a secret. Once they are placed in the soil, watered, allowed proper heating, and placed under a grow light, they are brought to life. Each and every seed pops up with a new light, a new smile, and a teeny green stem. As I marvel during this time of year, I often wonder just how beautiful life really is. A single seed can indeed turn into something so big -a tree. 

Spring is that time when the snow melts, the tulips pop up showcasing their beautiful petals. The birds chirp early in the morning, calling in the sunrise. Once that sun peeks above the mountain, it kisses the cheeks as the mind reminisces the last time you hung out with the sweetheart. The newfound nature is growing, the trees wooshing back and forth as the wind brushes the tops. Voices hum as everyone comes out alive after winter's hibernation. All the singing and dancing, merry voices. The red and white plaid picnic blankets come out for a lunch at the lake. Fish jump in and out, welcoming in the new season. Faces beam with a smile and voices say hello as each greets their new camping neighbors. The mind wanders at the pink painted sky during the end of the day. The stars begin to come alive soon after our star has gone to rest for the night. That moon just reflects in the water, bouncing back as your eyes look down at the reflection of one amazing human being. 

Summertime brings forth even more flowers, but it's really the progression of the crops that make this season beautiful. Each day the gardener gets to walk out to water the crops only to realize that they are succeeding. Pretty soon the fish oil works its magic as the plants continue to rapidly grow. That green thumb is a success when the bees begin to pollinate the open flowers on each pepper, zucchini, and bean plant. The sunflowers grow tall enough to overthrow the fence line. From the sky the yard looks as if nature did some taking over. The beauty of it all is captured by the gardener's love for it all. Every moment is worth it. Nothing is ever wasted by the gardener. 

The tree line transitions from a pink flower to a green leaf, which causes marvel at the cycle of life. The right moment passes when baseball games and camping season truly begins. The wonder behind the mountains, the weather, and the progression of that very seed that was planted just in the spring. The love blooms for the birds as their little eggs hatch into tiny little dopplegangers. The real paradise is when deer come down to find food so they can remain sane. The instruments of nature play even louder than that of spring. So much goes on as the clouds pass over the mountains every single day. Each one is unique -no two the same. The sun rises for a new day and the sun sets for an old day. The past is in the past, and the future is right ahead. 

Fall is that time of year where everyone reaps the benefits of their hardwork during the year. However, this is the time of true miracles when the mind realizes that one tiny seed grew a bushel of peppers for the human stomach to attain its daily nutrients. When I was younger, fall was just another season for me until I became the gardener I am today. The satiety that my heart felt was beyond compare. The unusual cold temperatures hit hard, and maybe even some freezing, but I hold onto my heart during this time.

The colors begin to change and the eyes turn in awe towards those trees that display their autumn foliage. The deciduous yellow, orange, and red leaves stand out against the conifer green needles. That evening stride around the lake provides comfort in the soul. The cooler temperatures bring out the cowboy plaid that makes everyone's eyes stand out. Farmers markets come alive and so does the streets in downtown. Everyone seeks for the best peaches offered by the kindest farmers around. Cinnamon spice, pumpkin spice, and apple cider fill the billows of friends and family. The mind is focused on giving thanks regarding everything it has gained. Fall is indeed the cornucopia of it all for the mind, body, heart, and spirit.

The boring and drab nature of winter is sure to prove true for most. However, I find joy in the winter because it is time to relax from a year of hard work. The reward is always greater than the effort put in when enough faith and love is present. Nothing makes me miss gardening more than the long stretch of winter. As we near the end of winter, it has proved to me that there is indeed still tons of joy available for all, especially during the Christmas season. This is really the end of a year, but the start of an even better one. What an amazing time to bring forth joy and celebrate Christ at Christmas time. He has brought us another year, but he brings us one more to help make us better. 

The gardener's dream does not end with freezing temperatures, it only begins once again. This is comparable and likened to the life cycle. Eyes watch the heavy snow fall cover the streets and dot the lonely corridors below. Climbing the hills to scrape off a car window is merely only a dream for most, but the white powder is indeed one of the best things on this planet. Frozen water covers the street as carolers sing their hymns. Smiles still beam as Joy to the World plays on the record player. The love of life is on the tip of the prefrontal cortex. Joy is indeed the reason for the season and it is what gets all of us out of the winter blues. The peak start of a new year, new you right after the beauty of Christmas is just what we all asked for. 

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Seasons come and seasons go, but do you know what doesn't? The power of faith, love, determination, and effort. As we gather this month to celebrate Mental Health Awareness month, let us remember that each day comes and goes, but with that comes new opportunities and new chances. Every few months there is a change and same thing with every 365, but so there is every 24 hours. These moments should be taken to create new opportunities and new chances. 

Do not ever forget that you are amazing just the way you are. You are you, and that is good enough. Do not believe what others say, just focus on what you have done. Take every chance to smile and spread joy for others. In the end, change is inevitable, but we are exactly amazing.