Growing in the Seasons of Life
It’s a cool Saturday morning, rare in this summer of broiling heat, and I’m enjoying the ambiance of our backyard water feature; listening to the chatter of birds, the tinkle of the waterfall and the cacophony of cicadas.
The water garden nestles at the base of a natural hill surrounded by a variety of plants, currently starring the striking red blooms of wild hibiscus. Butterflies in search of their morning nectar flit from blossom to blossom, and oaks stand guard over it all. A steady parade of afternoon thunderstorms has kept the yard lush, the grass in near constant need of mowing. Growth is seemingly natural and effortless; the challenge to contain it.
As fall approaches, some foliage will reach its peak and some will go dormant until spring. Trees will put on their annual exhibition of color, and then drop their leaves, threatening to smother yard and garden.
Winter is less showy than other seasons. Yet bare branches against a deep blue sky and pearly morning mists posses their own quiet beauty. Spring in our climate tends to burst on the scene in a riot of red buds, dogwood blossoms and azaleas, set off by myriad hues of green.
Each season has its own patterns of growth and beauty that will occur spontaneously given favorable conditions. Poor soils or extreme heat, however, require a dedicated gardener willing to enrich the soil, feed, water and prune to produce healthy growth.
The same is true for healthy humans. Given optimal conditions of health, nurture and loving guidance, in the springtime of life babies and young children can’t help growing and learning. Teens are driven to test the boundaries, to experiment with new behaviors.
Young adults investigate careers and cultivate relationships. Once settled into adulthood – the summertime of life – growth is directed toward establishing careers and families that grow and flourish.
The ‘younger senior’ status of autumn may bring the brilliance of crowning achievements or subdued but still vibrant growth. Older seniors who possess the beauty of wisdom honed by experience and accept inevitable decline with grace and dignity, enhance their winter landscape with rich earth tones.
Many of us, however, are born into less than ideal conditions. We may be born with birth defects or be genetically predisposed to physical, mental or emotional challenges. Our parents or caretakers, however loving, are certain to be less than perfect and might be negligent or even abusive. As we move through the stages of life we are bound to encounter difficulties and face problems.
The difference between surviving and thriving amid the vicissitudes of life lies in finding the courage to grow. Unlike plants or children, as adults we are not always at the mercy of others. Each of us can choose to initiate growth and change.
Sometimes growth is a matter of climbing out of a pit of anger or shame. Sometimes it’s simply moving out of your comfort zone to try something new. It could mean opening your mind and heart to new ideas and beliefs, or reconnecting with a faith that has slipped away; finding time for solitude or cultivating friendships. A professional coach or therapist may be the key to your personal growth.
Remember, whatever your age or season of life, it will be enhanced by finding the courage to grow.