One of my favorite things about springtime in Colorado is that the weather changes quickly. The other day, it snowed in the morning and by the time we picked Bea up from track practice in the afternoon, we were wearing t-shirts and enjoying the sunshine and dry ground.
We’re up in the mountains, decompressing from tax season. We’ve found the importance of getting away after such an intense season. When we stay at home, we fall into old habits and patterns. A change of scenery is the break we need to reset.
Yesterday, we went swimming in the hot springs near our rented cabin. The girls loved climbing the rocks around the creek, finding the best natural pools to splash in, and soaking in sunshine and family time. We woke up this morning to a wintery landscape. Our mountain views were obscured with clouds, the trees had a perfect outline of snow clinging to their branches, and Frank started a fire in the wood stove as we ate breakfast, played games, and did puzzles.
I know a lot of us are itching for actual spring – for blossoms and predictable sunshine. I am, too. I can’t wait to plan our garden and put away the winter clothes. But I also appreciate this quick turn of weather. It’s a reminder of our family’s current season, as we reconnect and refocus on life as a family of four. In a lot of ways, reentry is like a Colorado spring. There are sunny beautiful memories, there are cozy wintery moments, and there are gales and winds that kick up the dust.
I’m remembering this takes some time and after years of practice, our expectations for these post-season getaways are much more realistic. We shut down, limit our screen time, and focus on the four of us. But real life doesn’t actually stop. The girls still bicker; I still long for alone time; Frank still has some business to wrap up. Those moments seem much more bearable and pass much more quickly when we’re intentional about this time of reconnecting, and I’m glad for these pattern breaks as we enter this next season of spring and a more normal family life.
What is spring like in your part of the world? Do you like unpredictable weather? How does that translate to your daily life and expectations?
Linked with Five Minute Friday, a time to write without editing. Today’s prompt is “turn.”
Annie Rim 
Spring has definitely sprung here in the Seattle area (although with it come the spring rains and we’ve had 3 more inches of rain then normal this April!). But I can also long for the predictability of weather over on the other side of the mountains where I grew up and a more steady changing of the seasons. I like how you said that even in the midst of trying find a way to adjust to the change, real life still marches on. I’m finding this to be true in my life right now as well. I have areas that are a changing I rather stay still and also areas of change that aren’t happening fast enough for me. Thanks for offering us your thought and a time to reflect on this topic today! Your FMF neighbor #38
Real life always sneaks into our ideals of reconnection, doesn’t it? I suppose that’s part of reconnecting… My mom went to college in Seattle and for her, spring still means rain. She loves getting rainboots for the girls, even though we don’t really need them here… 😉
I love the parallels you draw here. I haven’t been to Colorado in years but have experienced that changing weather. It’s already getting hot in Florida.
I don’t know if I’d be mentally ready for actual summer weather yet! 😉 Funny how we adjust our seasonal expectations, isn’t it?
Spring has not arrived in Wisconsin, instead we have record snow. I just saw the name of your newsletter – I wrote about my compost pile today (#27). Hope you have great time away.
Can’t wait to read your compost thoughts! Ours is thawing and steaming after a winter of neglect – another sign of spring. Hoping you get a reprieve soon – seems like the midwest has had a tough winter!
I live in Kentucky Annie, where you only need to stay around for a few hours to get the weather you prefer. I love warm, sunny days. The cold weather makes my bones ache and my breathing shallow. But I’ve learned to accept the uncomfortable because they often bring the days that bring me pleasure. Contentment, connecting, relaxing in God’s presence is worth savoring.Great analogy my friend. I thoroughly enjoyed reading. Your words spoke to my heart.
Thank you! It’s so true – we have to live through the weather we don’t love to truly appreciate what we do… I’ve never been to Kentucky but in my mind, it’s always spring and green. Clearly, not reality! 😉
I think Spring might finally be on her way in. It is 65 degrees today!
Yay!! We’re all ready, I think!
The seasons, as all of nature, has so much to teach us. There are spiritual lessons to learn in the turning of life. We were reminded that we’re 6 weeks away from hurricane season. After last year, this wasn’t easy to hear. Our weather is much more predictable than yours so I enjoy hearing about the differences.
I love how you find ways to connect with the seasons, even in temperate Florida. Prayers for you all as you prepare for this hurricane season – it doesn’t seem like it wasn’t that long ago…
If spring is not perennially alive in your heart, it will never come on the March wind.
Oh, that is beautiful. Thanks, Andrew!
Oh, your time away at a cabin sounds wonderful! Something I would love to do this spring. Glad you were able to enjoy that time with your family!
It’s so good to recharge in a new environment! Thank you!
Annie, I’m so glad you guys got away for a few days. We need those seasons to re-set too. And yes, even as teens, our boys still bicker. I still yearn for alone time. My hubs needs some down time. But, the bigger picture memories that are forged are what we all remember. Our hearts are knit together with memories.
I like the unpredictable snows we get in Colorado springtimes. And this year, we need it. 🙂 I need those storms that blow in and out to remind me of how much I need my Father. They help me turn to Him, even though I rarely say I “like” storms.
Beautiful post, my friend!
Bea keeps declaring that April is her favorite month because you never know what will happen! 😉 I hope she retains that in life… I always have to remember the point of these getaways is reconnection. I’ll get my own retreat in May; Frank will go camping… It all happens!