Spring Is Here

"No winter lasts forever..."

Art is a difficult thing to summon. When I began this blog, I set out with the intention to write weekly. Like many goals in life, I was unsuccessful. That said, as I read and reread my own work, I am uplifted by my past self's unrelenting optimism and grace. It is a new year and better yet, a new day. As the sun rises each morning, life has this beautiful ability to reset. Turns out, grace is new every morning. It seemed fitting that I would return to writing with the same inspiration I possessed when I wrote my first blog. Life is blooming all around me - flowers are blossoming, and the sheer number of caterpillars surrounding me inform me that soon, an equal number of butterflies will be fluttering by and will journey onward after an immensely difficult and transformative process: metamorphosis. Metamorphosis is defined by major changes experienced during the life cycle. I don't believe this applies solely to insects like the caterpillar. As I write this, I am staring out at a "For Sale" sign. This sign is dug deep into the rich soil of the property I have called home for over a decade. As I am processing this major life change, among others, I can't help but wonder what life has in store for me next. I imagine that you have similar queries sometimes, too. It's nice to not be alone.

The concept I have always admired most about gardening is the faith component - the sheer belief that something will grow. That, despite the odds - and there are many: predators, inclement weather, soil conditions, amount of sunlight, sufficient water - but despite this, something planted equals something harvested. Now that's faith.

It is that beautiful leap of faith coupled with daily effort that eventually yields something beautiful, or - something delicious. So when it comes to these major life changes - some of which are harder than others to survive, I have faith that those difficult times will yield fruit in another season - that everything we go through isn't some form of cosmic punishment, but rather a testimony whether for our future selves, or for the benefit of others.

"Don't have time for the things that matter? Stop doing the things that don't."

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Hard truth? Art is a difficult thing to summon - when we are uninspired.

In previous posts, it may have been apparent that I am inspired by many things - art is chief among them. When I give in to my passions, other passions are fueled. I find that if I don't make time to be out in nature, take photos, play music, garden, or read - my writing suffers tremendously. And I need my writing - recently, I read the following: "when I am unwell, I write my prescription." In other words, our crafts - and we all have them, reader - our gifts - not only are they part of what makes us who we are, but they help sustain us. Our craft - whatever it may be - is not only how we process the world around us, it is how we interact with it. Whatever inspires you, do more of that. No excuses. You have the time. You have the ability. Case in point.. a nearby church marquee currently reads the following:

"Don't have time for the things that matter? Stop doing the things that don't."

To tell you that I had a very private, but very real conviction when I saw that, would be an understatement. I thought about it for hours afterward and essentially reevaluated how I had been spending my time. And I wasn't too disappointed. Lately, I had done better with prioritizing my time. It seems living in a trailer with your family honestly does help increase quality family time. But it is still important to take time for oneself and their craft, whatever that is. And the root of the problem often isn't time - it's inspiration and motivation. And, I have noticed...purpose and audience. These are important considerations for furthering our art. Having a reason to do something, and someone to share it with. So, thanks, dear reader.

For giving me both.

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Whatever your hardship, whatever is lacking in your life at the moment, identify it and resolve it. You are not the only one who suffers when your craft suffers. Others become deprived of your gifts, too. Remember that winter doesn't last forever. Now is the time to lean in to whatever it is you were born to do, and to plant seeds now that will prosper your future.

Tangible challenge for you now - - start piling rocks.

In the bible, when Joshua and the children of Israel were crossing the Jordan, they began piling twelve stones one on top of another. Joshua told the people: when future generations ask about this pile of rocks, tell them the story of how we crossed the Jordan safely on dry land. The rocks were to be a reminder.

To never forget - even in the midst of current hardships - all of the hardships you have already endured and overcome.

Now what can be more inspiring than that?