Mystic Musings: Lent 3/31
And the seasons they go round and round
And the painted ponies go up and down
We’re captive on the carousel of time
We can’t return we can only look
Behind from where we came
And go round and round and round
In the circle game”
As I sit to write this short meditation I can feel myself breathing more deeply and trying to get in touch with a more honest reality, one that I would run from if I could. Whenever I officiate at graveside services I speak to the reality that our lives often reflect the four seasons of nature as a way to remind those grieving that even in death we are participating in a sacred reality that was ordained before time.
Photo by Ricardo Gomez Angel @rgaleriacom
And yet. Like anyone I resist the season of fall when I cannot seem to hold back the realities of loss, decline, and decay in my life. I shudder at the harsh realities of winter when hopes are left frozen and darkness seems to permeate every cell of my body.
We are taught that our lives should just get bigger and better every year. That loss, rather than being a natural part of a normal life, is somehow a personal failure. We are taught to “fight the good fight” against death and despair instead of giving into their important lessons and appreciating the richness of their presence.
If we could dictate our own lives we would live in the springtime and summer of our lives forever—birth, new beginnings, growth, and production. But the reality is that fall and winter are just as much a part of the human experience. I resist going there, but I have to admit that when I accept that reality, my heart opens up, my eyes soften toward others, and my soul feels at home.
“And the seasons they go round and round.” And every season has its beauty, its purpose, and its goodness.
Sit quietly. Breathe deeply. Ponder these questions:
When you think about your life what season or seasons are you currently in?
Do you find yourself resisting certain seasons of life and hanging onto others?
What practices might you put in place to honor and appreciate each season equally?