I've lived in few places where all four distinct seasons take turns making its appearance throughout the year. It is currently Fall in the U.S. and then soon, it will be winter. There is so much I miss about Fall, especially Fall in Western New York. The shimmering, golden leaves. The smell of cinnamon and pumpkin wafting in the air. The prickly chill of the light breeze. It's a welcome, slowing down of life, following an often hot and packed summer. And then winter creeps in slowly, stealthily. The beautiful fire-colored leaves are strewn across the ground, everywhere. Eventually it is covered by packed, fluffy snow.
Here in Quito, it is rainy season. Our version of Fall and Winter mixed into one. The leaves don't change color and there is no obsession with everything pumpkin and cinnamon-y. The temperature has dropped and thunderous clouds cover us almost every afternoon around 4pm, but it's nothing extreme. Not like winters in Western New York!
Here in Quito, it is rainy season. Our version of Fall and Winter mixed into one. The leaves don't change color and there is no obsession with everything pumpkin and cinnamon-y. The temperature has dropped and thunderous clouds cover us almost every afternoon around 4pm, but it's nothing extreme. Not like winters in Western New York!
And while I am pathetically sentimental about all things Fall, and truth be told, I even miss winter, I am grateful that I live here, in Quito. I am grateful because the absence of something I treasure makes it all the more precious to me and I become acutely aware of the blessing and privilege it is, even icy-cold winters! I need this in my life. I need these experiences, these longings that keep me from taking things for granted.
We don't have Fall or Winter here, in the North American sense. But I am still thankful for the rain. For the daily warmth of the sun, especially around noon. For the blue skies. For the thunder and the lightning. For the opportunity to appreciate even more deeply the things that I loved in the past. And for the reminder to cherish the present.
We don't have Fall or Winter here, in the North American sense. But I am still thankful for the rain. For the daily warmth of the sun, especially around noon. For the blue skies. For the thunder and the lightning. For the opportunity to appreciate even more deeply the things that I loved in the past. And for the reminder to cherish the present.
Day 14 of Cultivating joy through 20 days of gratefulness.