The Busy Seasons of Life

"That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither - whatever they do prospers."  Psalm 1:3

It has been a remarkably busy few months.  Too busy almost.  While I absolutely thrive on being productive and on getting things checked off my list, I have to be honest.  There have been times that I've felt more than overwhelmed with this busy season that I'm in.  Not just summer.  But this busy season of my life.  Between my day job as an accountant, tending to the gardens and yard, working on projects for clients and on my own build projects, I have barely had an opportunity to sit back and relax.  I certainly have not had any lazy hazy days of summer...

During these busy times, I remind myself often to remain present in the task I am working on at that very moment.  I literally say (sometimes even out loud) "Ok Cheryl, where are you? Got it? Ok. Then stay there and stay with it". Eliminating distractions and quieting not only the external noise, but the noise of all the things in my mind, brings me peace and helps me to focus on the present.  I'm incredibly more productive when I feel happy, calm and relaxed.  

Being mindfully aware of the smallest details of the project or task, and of the space around me, also keeps me grounded and centered.  I make special note of each vibrant shade of pink, orange and yellow in a sunrise, the graceful curves of an old piece of furniture, or the elegant simplicity of a wild flower.  I bask in the warmth of the afternoon sun and linger in the cool crispness of an autumn morning.  I take the time to stop, even for just a minute, to listen for the happy songs of the chickadees, the bold chirping of the frogs in the spring, or the content sound of the horses munching hay.  I savour the delightfulness of the smell of fresh cut grass, the  comforting aroma of a pot of homemade soup simmering on the stove or the stimulating scent of a piping hot cup of coffee.  It's the little things.  

More importantly though, I pray constantly and read scripture daily. And Psalm 1 is a great reminder for me to consistently meditate on and to take pure delight in God's word.  To remain present in His purpose and plan for me.  So during these busy seasons, I keep Psalm 1:3 with me to encourage me to stay near the living water of God's promises for a bumper crop.  Of abundance and prosperity.  These words give me the strength to not wither.  To keep on keeping on during a busy season.