Spring Break

My deck 9 years ago. Each year I revamp it and change it. Now it's done with the help of family and friends. It's my special place.

In my mind today, I'm thinking about Spring Break. As a teacher, Spring Break was a coveted time. It took so long to arrive. We became as anxious as the students. The weather became warmer and the days longer. Some days I couldn't resist and we would sit outside and have class. I know it was probably frowned upon, but we actually got a lot accomplished. As we were released for a week of bliss, we left the routines behind.

My breaks were always spent around being outside and with my kids. It was so great to roll over and hit the snooze button and have a break from the daily grind. The first Monday of any break was spent doing absolutely, positively nothing. It was a respite. Many Mondays were pjs until bedtime! After the initial Monday, my Spring Break took shape. Outside I cleaned my flowerbeds and yard. I sprayed weeds and mulched. My deck has always been a place of happiness, prayer, and beauty. I would work until bedtime reviving it from the winter. I love it and still do but it's a bit different now. Physically I'm too weak. I make lists and hope a loved one will oblige me in my spring chores. I'm blessed, and they do.

Now, I'm retired. Even if my body is physically weakened, I embrace every beautiful spring day as Spring Break. I love the sun on face, the light breeze, and the emergence of life from the vegetation. A few years ago, I started implementing lots of perennials. These will be whom I search for as the days lengthen and temperatures rise. As nature awakens in buds and blooms, I feel an overwhelming happiness of getting to witness it all again. I roll around the yard, searching for the tips of the perennials coming back that say "Hello" and "We're back!"

In my reading today, I read "Life is short. Death is sure. The hour of death remains obscure." Regardless if you get 100 years, life seems to go by so quickly. Then you think of those who have had so much less time and that seems so unfair. When I look through the newspapers, social media, and talk with friends, I realize death is certain. It's been on the move so much as of late. How many ways are there to die? Infinite. We have a small window of time on this earth with our loved ones. Another winter is breaking and I've been privileged to have another beautiful spring, routine free, and fun day with my kiddos. Guess who is embracing life? Each of our times of death will be obscure. Some of us may literally be reborn in our next chapter this spring. Don't be sad. I speak from my heart. Embrace the happiness they have with their own rebirth, renewal, and wholeness that has brought them to their closure. Others will be on this side of heaven like you and me. So why are you waiting? It's Spring Break! It's time of rebirth and renewal. The secret is simple. Embrace every moment, especially every spring.

Quote of the Day:

"Happiness is not something ready-made. It comes from your own actions."

Dalai Lama