Nourishing the Seasons of Life

As summer turns to fall, Nikki Lamberg ponders whether we are too quick to discard old relationships rather than nurture them and discover new meaning.

The weather is turning here in Wisconsin, indicating the change of seasons is fast approaching. The cool mornings turn in to mid-sixty degrees and sunny afternoons, the pumpkin spices are in all the candles, coffee, and muffins, and the fall décor is bountiful.

These crisp mornings are my favorite as there is typically a light fog while the sun rises, making for a beautiful sunrise. It’s quiet at the break of dawn, and I can sit with my cup of coffee and all my thoughts as I prepare for the day.

Today as I was looking at my collage of summer flowers that haven’t yet given up their last breath and the fall flowers ready to take on the cooler weather, I began to think about how many times it feels like we are in overlapping seasons ourselves. Wanting to continue driving careers forward but grow a family at the same time. Taking care of our parents when our kids need us too. Wanting to explore the world unattached, while putting down roots where it feels the best.

As I thought about this concept on a granular level, I had wondered how many others were asking themselves the same questions. Do I discard the summer flowers knowing they will soon be done, so that I can fully embrace the new season? Or is it still worth “watering” and nourishing those flowers so that I can continue enjoying the beauty and joy they brought me all summer long?

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How often are we quick to discard something that isn’t working exactly the way it once did, instead of nourishing it to see if there is a new purpose or meaning? Look at the different friendships you’ve had over the years, for instance. I am sure you will have some that are thriving, some that look a little different than before, and some that simply just aren’t there anymore.

Those friendships that aren’t there may have lived out the life God intended for them to have. The friendship has served its purpose and intention for both people are who they are today because of it. For the friendships that are thriving, those might be the easy ones: the ones where you tend to be with each other all the time because circumstances put you there due to kids’ activities, for example.

And then there are those friendships that take a little extra work: the ones that God intended to be in your life forever, so you’re supposed to keep working at them. You may go days, months, or even years without physically seeing each other, but you still connect via phone, text, or social media. These friendships might be the best kind because of their intention and purpose. There is security and satisfaction in knowing that no matter what, the loyalty of that friendship will be there. And although these friendships are likely sustainable this way, we still need to remember to “water” them so that they continue to flourish and grow, no matter the time or distance.

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How often are we quick to discard something that isn’t working exactly the way it once did, instead of nourishing it to see if there is a new purpose or meaning? #CatholicMom

The next time you are looking around at the outside world or inside your heart, think about what people, things, or opportunities you want to continue nourishing instead of letting them fall. Weed out the ones that are toxic to your growth and spend a little extra time on the ones that are making you ... you.

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