Top Ten Things I'm Looking Forward to in Spring
10. Dresses, skirts, flip flops.
9. Opening my windows. The apartment just feels and smells better with fresh air flowing through.
8. Colbie Caillat and Andy Grammer on repeat.
7. Leaving night classes without nearly freezing to death.
6. Springtime-scented soap and candles.
5. Seeing campus come alive like it did over the weekend.
4. Walks.
3. The mysterious promise of Wonderful Wednesday.
2. The occasional Sonic Happy Hour excursion.
1. Blue skies and sunshine.
It's a beautiful day and I chose to spend it doing homework at Panera. And what always happens when you settle in to get things done? Unrelated inspiration. So homework will just have to wait a few more minutes.
A week ago, Johnson City was covered in snow. I didn't leave my apartment last Thursday except to take pictures of the tiny snowman that my sister built for me. And today it is in the 60s. The sky is a bit overcast but there are patches of blue and a comfortable brightness. I'm sitting by the wall of windows at Panera and soaking it all in.
I know that this glimpse of spring may be only temporary. Mother Nature is a temptress. For all I know, this time next week we could be covered in another foot of snow. Or wading through six inches of rain to get to classes. I certainly hope not, but I am not blind to the risks. However, I feel joy and happiness at this week's reminder that spring is coming.
I suppose that we all go through seasons when we feel like we are waiting. Waiting for answers, for milestones, for ends or beginnings. I feel like I'm in one of those seasons - literally and figuratively. I am more full of joy and peace than I ever have been in my life, but there is still waiting. And this week has reminded me that God has promised things. As He has promised that winter passes into spring, this season of waiting will also pass into a more full understanding of who He is and what He is doing.
And so as I type this, I breathe in the fresh, teasing air. I may have more cold air to breathe in before the warm air is here to stay. But as I breathe it out, I'll know I'm one breath closer to another one of His promises fulfilled.
There's a tree outside my window
that is losing all it's leaves,
and it looks as if it's crying
but the cold will not retreat.
Even in the coldest winter,
still the spring is on its way,
and everything that once was dying
will bloom and take our breath away.
Tyrone Wells
Top Ten Unique Signs that I'm Growing Up
10. I can sleep in a completely dark, completely quiet apartment. Big improvements from the days when I couldn't sleep without the TV on.
9. I order water at all restaurants and I haven't touched sweet tea in weeks.
8. I wear my socks properly. I wore them inside out as a kid because I couldn't stand the seams.
7. My parents did not do my taxes this year. I didn't either, but hey, it takes a resourceful, adult-like person to find help, right?
6. I occasionally opt for face products with hints of anti-aging ingredients. You know. Just in case.
5. I got great joy of taking care of my sick sister yesterday. I was not happy that she was sick, but I felt great purpose in caring for her. Maternal instincts?
4. I have a work email and it has a signature. Getting fancy.
3. I watch Jeopardy whenever I have the evening free. Maybe I jumped past "growing up" and moved right on to "approaching retirement."
2. The other day I talked myself out of buying a bag and into buying a nice book of crossword puzzles.
1. I've been awake before 10 most days out of the past week.
Top Ten Songs I Can't Stop Listening To
10. Dark Horse - Katy Perry
I know.
9. The Monster - Eminem feat. Rhianna
Not by choice. It just comes on the radio every five minutes.
8. Story of my Life - One Direction
Same as #9. But I like this one.
7. She's Gone - Jay Ollero
Beautiful NoiseTrade find!
6. A Beautiful Place to Be - Tyrone Wells
NoiseTrade does wonderful things.
5. Let Her Go - Passenger
I don't care, I love this song.
4. In Summer - Olaf the Snowman, Frozen Soundtrack
My favorite animated character of all time!
3. Pompeii - Bastille
Same as #8&9. But it's my favorite radio song right now.
2. Bonfire Heart - James Blunt
Watch the trailer for A Long Way Down and you'll see.
1. Make It Through - Tyrone Wells.
Even in the coldest winter, still the spring is on its way. And everything that once was dying will bloom and take our breath away.
