It's finally getting cold outside and although we are used to the hot sun and warm beaches, we are enjoying watching the leaves turn gold and brown and then gracefully fall to the ground. Having always lived in a place where we didn't see this sort of Autumn celebration, it is so nice to witness this beauty that is so short lived. Soon the trees will be bare (or "neck-ed" as Lily likes to say) and everything will be in hibernation for fear of cold and frost until Spring.
As the old Thanksgiving rhyme goes: "The year has turned its circle, The seasons come and go..." So does the Russell Family. Every month that goes by I look at my family in a new light and smile at how we have grown together. Even when times get tough, I always have to look at life like a book or seasons: A chapter will end, a season will turn its circle and things will start again.
I look at this short, quiet time I have as a little hibernation for myself. It's prep time for the busy holiday season ahead. It's not so much the holiday shopping, the entertaining or anything like that. It's more being able to spend quality time as a family. We will be short one Russell family member this Christmas, but so is the life... It feels as though I am rushing to get enough family time together before duty calls.
I try not to focus on the end of chapters or seasons of life because I enjoy looking forward to the new. There is always potential in something new and something to enjoy and look forward to. These new little chapters in life help keep me on track and continually learn from my family, friends and life experiences.
Happy Thanksgiving!
