With the change of seasons, we often find changes within our lives... transitions. As we evaluate how we use these transitions in our lives, it determines a lot about our future. Just as fall is a natural cycle of life, the transitions in our life are best made as we pray and follow (rather than lead) the directions that will best benefit our inner life and not just our outer life. We also have to consider more than our self. We have our spouses and our children. Sometimes the answers to our spiritual queries are odd (go live without your husband for one year after 30 years together), but when we consider the needs of others and not just ourselves, we find our self growing as a person.
Yesterday I spent time in the temple contemplating and evaluating things in my own life and later in the day, I certainly received many answers to those questions as life simply unfolded throughout the daily process. When we pray, we don't always have magical cures or answers that God sends us instantly.... but the answers do come. Those answers often bring a sense of "aha" and/or peace. The next few months will be busy starting tomorrow when basketball starts. Then we mix in the holidays, birthdays, anniversaries, weddings, and regular life and jobs. Oh, and Kali's game. :D It's also more difficult when your children are grown and you wonder when you'll fit into their schedule over the holidays. Now I know why older couples sometimes go to Hawaii for Christmas! It will also be sad not having my brother around for the holidays and knowing he is deployed again. Overall though, I will enjoy the simplicity of the season and enjoy the lights at Christmas, the pumpkin pie and my dad's birthday at Thanksgiving (because I am so thankful for him and the kind person he has always been to me), and for the many memories I know I will make with a new basketball season and a new group of girls.
Another thing that happens this time of year is that I get to know my students better. Parent/Teacher conferences went really well this week and we had a great turnout. It's always so surprising and rewarding when you find out the kids really have learned things and the parents recognize it. Plus you're always surprised by some who say little Johnny/Susie likes your class when you've been thinking he/she hates it because you're strict and you've had to get on him/her or push them to do more in their work. Anyway, I always come away from conferences with a renewed faith in myself, parents, and students. I look forward to returning this week and starting new units of study in each of the disciplines I teach.
leaves once green and stems once bent
crisp become upon descent
from branch and tree, oak or pine
varied types like peace of mind
signal changes with orange and red
fallen remembrances upon earth's bed
autumn hues with brown and gold
barren branches soon shiver cold
from goblins to gobblers the children go
from raindrops and umbrellas to mittens and snow
nutmeg and cinnamon for fresh pumpkin pie
outside still forming a gray winter's sky
frosted panes in chill soaked air
childish eyes beam and stare
visions of snow and flakes and sleds
dancing anticipation within their heads
pine and stars, and tinsel to come
Santa and elves and all that is fun
a lesson more valuable and warming in heart
stories of mangers and each wise man's part
gifts more valuable than silver or gold
lessons recited and stories retold
Holding the hands of those we love
counting our blessing from God above
treasuring each moment through season and year
for life is a gift, ever so dear
written with love for my family
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