Characteristics of spring
Spring is my favourite time of year. The temperature is slowly increasing, and the birds are singing. And who can forget the sun rising earlier, and setting later. In general, I find it to be a happy time of year. The end of the year is fast approaching, and there's no turning back.
Race to the End
With the end of the year beginning to creep into our mind, it's easy to get caught up with the New Year. Why is it that at this time of year, everyone wants to prepare for the upcoming year rather than finish out this year? Instead of sitting back and smelling the roses of spring, people are thinking ahead to next year. While doing so, the are focusing on the disappointments of this year.
This is changing their attitudes toward spring, and the last two months of the year. People may be saying, 'if only I had gotten that pay rise,' or 'why did I have to be so sick this year?' With only a short time left of this year, we still have time to achieve many things. Do we want to sit around and complain about this year? Or, do we want to spend this time putting our best foot forward in every situation?
Take a step back
In a time of blooming flowers, we should also appreciate the positive things we have. We live in a wonderful, free country. This country provides us with the opportunity to be educated, and to work and earn money. In Australia we are also able to seek medical guidance and attention when necessary. There are many other aspects of our lives which we can be thankful for everyday, not just in spring.
Come to me
In the Bible, Jesus calls us to come to Him. Mathew 11:28-29 instructs us to "Come to me [Jesus], all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle, and you will find rest for your souls." Here, Jesus is telling us in times when we aren't feeling the best, or are stressed, to come to Him and He will give us rest.
This is important to remember during this busy time of year. We must never forget this, no matter where we are in life, or the time of year.
Natalie Van Egmond from Brisbane is a journalism graduate.
Natalie Van Egmond's archive of articles may be viewed at www.pressserviceinternational.org/natalie-van-egmond.html