Kame is awake! And after six weeks of burrowing under the mulch and imitating a rock, he is finally coming out of hibernation.I am indescribably happy to see my little friend coming back to life after his long hiatus. I have been worried over his health and well being, afraid he might go to sleep and not wake again when Spring's sun comes out to warm the ground and thaw the freeze.
Winter has not been easy for us. The cold weather means extra bills, and the snowfall has required more of Ken's time and energy at the store and fire department, taking time, inevitably, away from us. Add in the stress of the holidays and some serious arguments between Ken and I, and I began to feel buried... weighed down... like I'd never stand with the sun shining on my face again.
Life isn't going to get easier. Winter comes every year, without fail. So... how do I climb up out of the mulch life piles on and find my way into the sun again?
First... I've had to learn that hibernation is part of my natural cycle. While I can't sleep without eating or drinking for six weeks the way Kame can, there will be times in my life when I just need to slow down, to allow things to happen around me without getting involved. There are times I need to take a step back, take a deep breath and just be.
Second, I need to recognize that while these times will come, they will also pass by. The sun will shine again. The snows will melt and the first flowers of spring will poke through. Summer, like winter, comes every year, without fail. I need to recognize the signs of spring, and let encouragement bring hope back into my heart. I need to remember my dear friends who help carry me through the difficult times and let them into my life with a phone call or e-mail, like rays of light peeking through the shadows. I need to, when the time comes, stretch out, reaching for the warm and the new and the hope, and step out into the sun.
The time for hibernation is almost over. Spring is near.
Rejoicing in the day,
-Mary
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"The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness."
Lamentations 3:22-23 English Standard Version
This is beautiful Mary. I'm going to share on FB and Twitter.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much Melanie! It was so nice talking to you the other day. I hope we'll have a chance to connect again.
ReplyDeleteSilly Kame... he still seems determined to sleep in... But his systems seem to be functioning normally and he did cruise around my office for a while the other day so I hope he'll make it through the winter with no ill effects.
Rejoicing in the day,
-Mary