Living in the Moment
Two weeks ago the last of the autumn leaves clung to the trees. Gold, russet, brown displayed against the backdrop of a cloudless ‘Carolina blue’ sky. Leaves crunched underfoot, cushioning the sharper crack of hidden acorns. An in-the-moment feast for the senses.
A week ago, piles of raked leaves invited carefree cavorting. My young grandsons knew what to do; bury yourself or your brother in leaves; have a ‘leaf fight;’ spin round n round and fall down laughing. Start all over again. Simple, joyous, in-the-moment fun.
A few days ago wind and rain denuded the trees. Leaves were on the ground – brown, wet, soggy, decidedly unappealing. Overnight, temperatures plunged. Jack Frost glazed the leaves and gave them back their crunch.
The weekend found us wielding leaf blower, rake and lawn mower once again. Some leaves became protective mulch for the winter lawn and nourishment for spring plantings. The excess – loaded onto tarps and hauled to the street – awaits the town’s giant vacuum. Other towns require leaves be bagged for pickup. It all adds up to hard labor. But on a brisk, sunny day, even leaf cleanup has its charms, providing a workout and a sense of accomplishment.
In the months ahead, the bare branches and gray skies of winter will reveal their own their own subdued beauty. Come spring the tender green of newborn leaves will soften the landscape. The welcome deep-green shade of summer will follow in due course. And then again the autumn leaves.
The life cycle of leaves captures the change of seasons, and serves as a metaphor for the seasons of our lives. Each phase of life is valuable in its time with its own beauty and its own purpose. Wherever you are in life right now, embrace it with all its ups and downs, frustrations and triumphs, pain and joy. You will find the greatest adventure and the deepest satisfaction as you live in this moment.