Spring is the birth of our existence, propagating growth spurts of our personalities, hopes, discoveries and dreams. Seeded correctly and lovingly nourished, within 20 years or so, a budding person starts to bloom. This can be a gangly and sometimes disorderly growing crop; supports may be needed. Best grown in a sunny family atmosphere. Enrich generously with good faith. First blossoming is a sight to behold. Transplant into a bigger pot if needed or if roots start to tangle. If drooping occurs, it may be because they were neglected. It’s amazing how they bounce back with the right care and attention.
Summer becomes the harvest which is cultivated from our Spring. Size and growth rates vary. Some become perennials; some are annuals and others are seasonal. Development continues through the 30s and into the 40s and 50s, refined from the acknowledgement, acceptance and sharing of our God-given talents and energies. Occasionally we are pruned, hoed, raked, and sometimes scorched and tested in fire and heat. We become hardy. We achieve self-knowledge, direction and life focus during this abundant time. This is the prime of life in physical and mental abilities. Life can be a single flower, a field of bouquets or a cactus.
Autumn arrives in our 60s and 70s; a dazzling array of acquired self-actualized splendor in that we display wisdom, understanding, compassion and acceptance of ourselves and others. A period of maturity and fulfillment. Thrives if transplanted to new soil or environment. This is a time when we become well anchored and rooted in our lifestyles and values. New life experiences abound at this time — the joys of new ‘Springs’ of grandchildren and relishing the ‘Summers’ of our children. Happiness creates flowering inwardly and outwardly.
Winter is inevitable. It gets cold and dank - it is accentuated in whiteness. For some - it comes quickly; for some it withers away. Life can ebb and some leaves start to fall. Like the frost coming in, there can be loss of life around us. This can happen in our 70s, 80s or 90s. Or 100s. Winter can be a bleak time; colorless, brittle or dry; the end of life’s journey. For others, it can be a satisfying contentment of life’s fulfilled dreams and aspirations. For those who are well nourished, devoid of weeds and religiously fertilized, it will be a blessed transplant into a new life - a spectacular garden of splendor, glory and harmony with God. For eternity.
Marie Coppola © June 2009
