The wonders of the unpredictable weather astounds me watching as seasons become unrecognizable. Just last week I was romping in shorts and a tank top while local college girls modeled newly acquired bikinis and guys exercised shirtless. Purchasing a cold milkshake became a frequent antidote to sooth a hot throat. Even my dog, Tsali, could be caught panting from the sun's unrelenting heat. One week later, or more preciously, four days from experiencing 75ºF temperatures, it is now 20 degrees with the wind chill factor being 15ºF while thick wet snow blankets the High Country of North Carolina whispering rumors of 4-8 inches to fall. Once the mornings were filled with chirping birds. Now the silence of wind fills the air.
A conversation made earlier with my mother explains this is merely Dogwood Winter, but thats for Middle Tennessee. Here we are experiencing a blizzard. I know I will cause some head shakes with this comment, but all this snow during the week the UN is discussing the dangers of Global Warming I find rather ironic. Just so I can add my two cents since I am the one who has control of my words here- Is it possible the Earth goes through natural cycles, like the Ice Age. Last winter Russia suffered from record breaking cold temperatures. This winter while the majority of the Rocky Mountain Range was left neglected of its usual snow coverage the mountains of New Mexico relished the best ski season in years.
However, apart from the strange weather patterns, it seem particularly symbolic that so much beauty, so much growth entered by spring can be completely smothered by the unyielding weight of coldness.
I turn looking around to see this pattern evolving within several aspects of life, particularly my own. By the mere day to day routine of life if one is not equipped or prepared an unforeseen storm could collapse the soul: The factors of growing old. Allowing materialism to dictate decisions. Insincere faithfulness in relationships. Lack of character to overcome trials. Desire of power and control. Unmotivated steps to more forward. Distracted emotions deterring from truth. Selfishness preventing vision beyond a nose.
The snow clouds roll in to burry the growing life no longer seen, no longer acknowledged. THe blossoms once vibrant and pure are now choked by coldness, defeat, and fear. When the snow finally melts. All that remains is withered, discolored, and an unrecognizable mess. If only preparation had been made to cover the blooms. However, nature will carry on, time will pass, seasons will travel, and spring will arrive again for another opportunity of renewal.
I watch in agony the mistakes made increasing my desire to shout in panic, "Don't you see what you are doing to yourself?!" Then the snow storm like a velvet curtain falls before me. The curtain is drawn back by a cranking pulley to reveal an icy mirror. I step forward for a closer look and there I am staring back in shame. I have made the same mistakes. I have made the same poor decisions. I am crying because I did not learn from others' experiences and no one has learned from mine. I am helpless, powerless, without control standing in the bitter cold exposed as a fraud. My head hangs low. I can see no more.
The winter curtain sweeps to a close removing the dense anguish that stung my soul. The deep snow disappears to pronounce the mountains and blue sky and sun. Hope has risen bringing a new morning within reach. The snow melts unveiling what once stood bold. As the winds summon the warmth from the South. As the sun rises higher in power and comfort- I feel opportunities for new days. Hope for second chances. A path cleared to move forward.
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