Seasons Are Changing

Out of necessity, this seems like an opportunity waiting to merge forth like the ever-so-soon approaching season changes. Seasons, as in season of summer freedom coming to an end! Wow, we started early, compared to many schools across the state that are beginning this week by opening the doors to education with a breath of freshness and “somewhat” renewed energy. Add to this a new four-day school week format with longer days...and a full moon coming up...nah...I’ll stick with where I am!

Perhaps more prominent for some of you readers was the new seasons of football, cross country and volleyball. Practice started last week, and I have heard of a few new muscle aches from the youth. One has to admit, the athletes have been busy, some nearly non-stop, all summer long... some even having to choose which sport they would be doing. Life gets rough past the elementary years, dear people. Drag your behind to a game or meet and let the kids know you are there to support them--winning or losing, or just out there embracing what they love to do...they would appreciate knowing you are behind, and with them.

Hould and I were always impressed as (Mr.) King’s Men came off the football field, after every game and greeted us with, “Thanks for coming!” Win, lose or tie, they had been taught to let everyone know it meant something to them. Be glad you can go and watch. Some dads, moms, grandpa’s and grandma’s have to watch from heaven.

We are going to be seeing some cooler weather at a point in time, and it will be welcomed by most. There are not many that I hear screaming at the top of their lungs... “...it’s not hot enough ~ bring on some more heat!” Take the time to enjoy those days and take walks...thinking about all your blessings and say a prayer for a friend or someone who could use a lift...your steps will seem well spent. Don’t be afraid to take a bag with you and clean up what others have left in your path. Buy yourself a nifty-swifty gripper-grabber and a pair of gloves and go make a difference. Make our community a cleaner, perkier, and happier place to live.

The season of slowing down time is also a great time to slip into a good book and escape to a place where there are no phones, traffic lights, screaming neighbors, or demanding “to-do” lists. Enlightening one's mind with learning new things never is a waste of time. Sit down and wrap your hands around a cup of coffee, hot chocolate, or hot cider, and just do something for yourself for a change. Like Charlie Brown told Snoopy, “You gotta be good to yourself cuz sometimes you’re all you’ve got.”

When the array of autumn colors set in on the leaves, gather a handful of a variety of them and press them on paper towels between the pages of books, with books stacked on them. Then, when the white of winter blows cold air our way, take out a left and jot down a memory of the day you collected it. You could decorate it up and send it along to someone who needs some cheering up. Holler if you need help getting started.

The best season you can share and enjoy is that of kindness. Do a little something extra for someone and you will be paid back many times over. Be a heart that cares and a friend that listens. What more could one ask for?

Well...maybe chocolate.