With spring becoming visible in nature, I experience a sense of excitement and new zest for life. The winter was long, cold, and sometimes alone as the weather made it difficult to get out of the house. The longer and warmer days and signs of new life in nature give me hope.

Childhood experience of seasons

Seasons have always made a big impact on me. As a child, it was simply the excitement and new opportunities that each season brings when you start to get bored of the same routine, clothes, and food. The Kalahari winters are short, but I remember hearty stew, soup, or pie in the cold evenings. After school we sat in the sun while my mother peeled oranges for us. The world was dry and dull.

The summers were long and hot, and we spent our available time at the town pool. Shoulder seasons were short, but I remember looking forward to the new dress my mom made for us to wear to school on September 1st. We wore our new dresses shivering but with pride.

Adult experience of seasons

With age and realities of life, seasons have taken on new meaning for me. Seasons that arrive on time, is the one certainty I can hold on to no matter how confused the world feels. This confirms there is a Creator who is in control. In the Western Cape, Autumn arrives during Easter weekend. It is the most beautiful picture when the vine leaves turn to shades of yellow and rust brown and the mountains turn a darker blue. There is something comforting about winter rains that envelop you like a soft blanket. However, after weeks of sitting under the blanket, one gets bored of being indoors and wants to feel the sun on your skin.

Over time, my understanding of the metaphorical meaning of seasons improved. The rhythm and balance of seasons as well as the important role of each of the four seasons, took on more meaning. My children’s trees of life are forming blossoms and new leaves and getting ready to bear fruit here on earth. Every morning the pains in different places in my body remind me that my tree of life, which is currently in autumn, is getting ready for winter.

Positive experience of winter

With the help of seasons, I can see winter and its role in a more positive light. In our winter seasons, we have the time and wisdom to provide support to those in need during various other seasons in their lives. For the first time in my life, I experienced a white winter.  The silence and beauty of the crisp white snow took my breath away. I share the visual experience below.

Regardless of the season in nature, that is different between the northern and southern hemispheres, we all experience winter with Covid-19 restrictions. We all hope for Spring. One of our gardeners put it so beautifully: “At the end of winter it seems as if the Master turns on nature and everything suddenly starts to grow at the same time!” I enjoy every new leaf and bud outside and get carried away when I take pictures. I am going to be aware and excited about the growth that is going to take place with us as humans after the winter period, worldwide.

Kind regards

Emsia