“Trust the wait. Embrace the uncertainty.
Enjoy the beauty of becoming.
When nothing is certain,
anything is possible.” — Mandy Hale

We, all of us, make plans — seasons, and even years in advance. Well, with our lives regimented by busy schedules and important commitments like they are — um, were — before this year, we have to, right?

“… unforgivable,” I hear you say. “Not fair. There are too many events we’ve missed and more that will never happen for my child. Well, because… well, now that our lives have crumbled…”

It’s not fair. But, wait!
Don’t go there!
That’s not all entirely true, remember?
Our lives have not crumbled.
Look around. You’re still breathing.
And don’t allow yourself to fall into depression over things that didn’t happen in the past.

“Unease, anxiety, tension, stress, worry—all forms of fear—are caused by too much future,
and not enough presence.
Guilt, regret, resentment, grievances, sadness, bitterness, and all forms of non-forgiveness
are caused by too much past, and not enough presence.” — Eckhart Tolle

Here’s a friendly reminder. There’s been a much-needed interruption on our old ways of life. And the new life that’s evolving requires that we be more present; to pay attention and to enjoy the journey. We want that, remember? Yes!

Spring is the perfect season for transitions and today I intend to tell you why we need to be aware of what’s happening and remain in the present.

So, if this change is to teach us a better way of being, I believe we need to keep reminding ourselves often to be present in the now. Yeah, like in what’s happening right now.

I think I need not point out how favorable the present world situation is for Mother Nature and her million of living things that contribute to keeping her nourished. This pause is a respite nature needed; one that we are capable of giving her for the benefit of us all.

A long time ago…

Believe it or not, there used to be a time when I was oblivious to the seasons.

For me in my corner of the world, there was only one season, really — tropical! And throughout my single-figure birthday-years, I was not aware that people had four seasons to look forward to year after year.

Then on my eighth birthday, I clearly remember my mother giving me my best birthday present, ever. It was the address of a little girl, eight years of age just like me.

All on her own, my dear mother had written a letter to an ad she found in an old women’s magazine.

My mother, my hero. Bless her heart!

Well, she got me my very first pen pal. From the United States of America. I was pleased beyond belief!

Valerie Moore and I wrote letters back and forth to each other until one day, around the time I was ten, the letters from that place whose name started with an ‘O’ and  where apple trees grew and tons of white powdered-snow fell — which is all I can remember of Valerie’s geographical location — stopped coming and my own started getting returned as undelivered.

I cried the loss, and there would never be another live pen pal for me but for the imaginary one I created in my journal. That was the beginning of my writing-in-earnest life.

Then sometime around the time, I was ten or eleven, I remember learning more in school about the four seasons that the developed world was blessed with. And I paid attention.

It was also around then, I think, that I started to notice the influx of migrating birds and loud tourists that stood out much more than the birds. Like the birds, they came looking for warm climates and my country, Belize, didn’t disappoint.

Today, I call Japan home and there’s really no other place in the whole wide world where I’d rather be. I love my home. And all in all, for four decades now, I’ve been paying attention to the four seasons.

Now, here in Japan, Spring is a turning point in the lives of the people. The fiscal year ends in March and the new one begins in April; likewise, the old school year ends in March, and April ushers in the new one. I for one, love the choice of this season for endings and beginnings as it takes into account the inclusion of Mother Nature in its living-plans of new beginnings.

One spring, there came a big interruption

On March 11th, 2011 Japan experienced the devastating 9.0-magnitude Tohoku earthquake and tsunami that disrupted our lives in the worst way imaginable until then. And the string of uncertainties continued almost unabated for months and months after that fateful Friday.

That event is especially notable to me. As parents of two young men living ordinary lives, going through high school, our plans and lives experienced a big blow. That March was my oldest son’s graduation from high school and the following month he was to begin his university studies. Well, needless to say, both celebrations were halted.

It changed spring in inexplicable ways but spring still came.

Now here we are once again. It’s another new cycle of endings and beginnings, and what have we had?

Mercy, Mercy Me, March and April!

Well, my family and my young men are done with school for now but there are thousands of families with school-aged children who are grieving the way things have happened. Again.

Please pray for those families and children who’re being hit the hardest by the lockdown and the state of emergency that has been imposed on our beautiful home where, thanks to Mother Nature, the cherry blossoms are as mesmerizing as ever before.

I know that some of you reading this article today are feeling beat, depressed, disillusioned about things like your children’s prom as early as next month, perhaps; their upcoming class trips, graduations, and moving plans — that are yet to happen in the summer months.

Now that we’re committed to living in the present, shouldn’t we be letting go of worrying over things that have yet to come to pass? Let’s not rush things. Instead, I ask that you put your hands together for the young ones, like yours in your homes, who are braving it now, here in Japan. Right now these young kids are living through those same milestone events that are yet to come in your area.

From one parent to another, I ask that you join spirits with us. Right in this Now! And later, when you’re in the middle of your big events, we will be there in spirit to see you through in your Now.

I’ve no connections with the CDC, the WHO, or any such organizations. But I have hope.

Things will be different tomorrow.
Better.
And I say this with nothing but trust in the order that our beautiful universe exemplifies.

Ground yourself in the present. Stop worrying about things that haven’t happened yet. Don’t lose sight of things as they pertain to right Now.

When we channel our energy into caring for others, the rewards are returned and our hearts grow for we’re all in this together as one.

Spring is the current season. Please don’t forget. Let’s be present.

All things bright and beautiful
All creatures great and small… — An Anglican hymn sung by many.

Written in 1848, the words are by Cecil Frances Alexander. First published in her Hymns for Little Children.

THANKS FOR READING
I Wish You Miracles