I am a summer baby - through and through!  I was born in the summer, and I have always thrived in the summer.  My elder brother and sister, both born 2 years apart on Christmas day, have always loved winter.  My younger brother, born in the fall, loves both fall and winter. Personally, I never have understood them.  I was always the oddball (and still am) in my family; but I digress.

I have always enjoyed spring with its signs of new life, warm (yet, at the same time,damp and chilly) days, blossums exploding in a profusion of colors, and the heart warming sounds of birds filling the air with warbling.  Fall is also very lovely.  Who isn't inspired by the beauty of leaves changing hue, then swirling through the air as they come to land in a layer that begs you to roll and play?  There's a sense of urgency in the air as all creatures are busily gathering and storing, neatly tidying up for the long dark days ahead.  I love the pumpkins and corn shocks, the piles of gourds and the shelves lined with the bounty of the summer just passed.

But summer.... ah, summer!  Long hours of deliciously warm sunlight, and trying to cram everything in until the last possible moment.  One more row to work in the garden, one more lap in the pool, one more toss of the ball to my children, one more long gaze at a vast summer sky filled with stars, one more....   Though many hate the hot, steamy nights when you can't sleep because you feel as if you are going to completely melt away,  I can say that I even enjoy these. 

Summer is greeting the day early as the sun rises (with coffee cup in hand ).  Summer is sun-ripened tomatoes picked fresh from the garden, crisp green pepper sandwhiches, juicy watermelon, and corn on the cob.  Summer is working, in the cool mornings and evenings, in our gardens. Summer is freezing and canning a bountiful harvest with my little ones.  Summer is watching them eat as many grapes as they are picking for jam.  Oh, I could go on and on. Did I mention that I love summer?

Winter is not a very nice time for me.  I miss the sun, I dislike being cold, and I find it very hard to be productive.  I used to enjoy a good winter storm. Of course this was provided that I was standing inside, dressed in comfy layers, wrapped in a shawl or afghan, and sipping a steaming cup of cocoa.  Now, I don't even enjoy this.  I've got a husband and children out there - going to and from work or school.  But I try to look for the beauty, and I try to focus on what the Lord would have me gain (like drawing closer to Him as I pray for my family's safety).

But after winter... spring comes with its promise of life and renewal.  Symbols of resurrection and joy show themselves in abundance. The cycle is beginning again.

God has beauty and purpose in each season, even when I fail to see or appreciate it.   But praise God; after winter....