|
Seasons of Life
By
Reno Litterio |
We have it all in our
four distinct seasons, here in the Northeast. Each season
brings nature’s gifts to us, in a variety of elements and
contrasts, to add meaning in our lives. We are somewhat in
rhythm, experiencing our day-to-day living through each
year.
December 21 or 22 is the first day of
winter
in the northern hemisphere, with the months of January and
February. During the bitterly cold days we are faced with
snow, rain, sleet, hail and raw cold winds. Everything
outdoors seems to be gone or hiding. We face these
challenges to give us strength and purpose, as we winter our
human spirit.
March 19 or 20 is the beginning of
spring,
including the months of April and May. Life comes alive, a
new beginning, an awakening of the hidden forces within our
sheltered spirit. The dormant creatures beneath the earth
stir and push upward to face, and be rekindled by, the sun’s
forces. A touch of color begins to give us a variety of
hues, with many sounds that communicate with nature.
Summer
arrives June 20, 21, or 22, with July and August, when the
North Pole has its greatest slant toward the sun. The tilt
is called summer
solstice in
the Northern Hemisphere. We experience, between sunrise and
sunset, the longest period of sunlight. We languish in the
hot days and enjoy our ponds, lakes and the ocean.
September 22 or 23 brings
fall,
or autumnal equinox with October and November, and nature’s
brilliant display and fusion of colors. Fierce winds help to
strip trees and shrubs naked. Our thoughts turn to
harvesting earth gifts, storing and preparing for what’s to
follow.
Spring,
summer,
winter
and
autumn,
these seasonal changes are so closely related to our own
human life cycles. Every year we look forward to new
experiences that each season brings, and thankful that we
are alive to meet them. |
About The Author
Reno J. Litterio
is the previous Editor and Publisher of The Constellation
Newsletter. Litterio was the co-founder of the Ward 4 Senior
Citizens Social Group in Quincy in 1992 and is now chairman
and Director of the group. You can reach Mr. Litterio at
renowarior@aol.com.
|
|
