Things Growing

 When I think about this season of the church known as 'Ordinary Time', I recall back to a homily from a priest a number of weeks ago referring to this season. He mentioned how children he was speaking to and showing the rectory to and some components of Mass and the priest like the priest's garments and the colors of the liturgical seasons. The children said the green color reminded them of 'things growing'. This priest referred to this liturgical season as anything but ordinary, but rather of our spiritual life growing, adapting and God leading us through the changes. 

I have kept this component from this priests' homily in my pocket. When I see the green decorations in the church I am reminded of this or the priest's vestments. I'm even reminded of this when I think about summer and see the glorious green beauty all around me, the blossoming flowers and their green leaves, or the magnolia tree's supple leaves showcasing the glory of the white, delicate flowers radiating this time of year. 

But I also think about my own season that I am in, and where I have been. Thinking about the changes I have experienced and endured around me as well as the good growth I have encountered. I come back to that point of 'growing' and changing in God's time.

I was recently visiting my sweet sister and immediately I was wrapped in a warm hug upon greeting, as well as the memories of the past visits to her cute apartment. All of those prior visits instill a distinct memory, time, feeling and season. 

The first time I visited her was just a few weeks after she had moved in and she was getting settled and adapted. I had helped her move in, and remember that well. My first visit though was Labor Day weekend, just a few short days after her birthday. She was happy, peaceful and excited to enter a new decade, a new year and make a place her own and enter into her career. It was so fun visiting her in her new area, her new home but also a bit challenging. Things still felt unsettled for me with this big transition and how the rest of the year would look for my job, ect... It was beautiful to explore a new area, and everything felt fresh and vibrant in the neighborhoods with the blooming flowers and trees, and the summer heat was still very much present with its blistering hand. It was a special time, but also a lot ahead, a lot of unknowns.

I visited my sister again in mid Fall, Halloween weekend which was a lot of fun! It was then that I met her new boyfriend she had recently stated dating. I had heard so much about him on the phone and in person, it was special to finally meet him. I had a lot of thoughts and memories about where my sister had been, the struggles she had had, as well as other guys she had dated in the past. He seemed so much different than all of them, better, and I could sense the chemistry, love, peace, and joy they had around each other. I knew there was a sense on my heart for a relationship, even as my sister asked me if I would want to, but I knew it wasn't the time, but the desire was there. I was happy for her. It was the time to consider my Masters program and applying for it, which I did a few days later. It felt like a new chapter, and the falling, crunchy leaves, roaming pumpkins, and the spice and caramel presence in the air made the excitement and celebration of a new season, and closing of the year more special.

My dear sister and I visited her in the middle of December, on the feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe for a sleep over all together. We had some more quality time with her boyfriend, as well as sister chats and breakfast and  morning coffee together. Change of plans made us flexible with the Pandemic and the pouring rain while driving to In-N-Out and through the glassy streets of Tiburon, always notorious in my mind for the Fall dance a few years prior. The holiday season was upon us, as well as the busyness, excitement of intricacies and specialness of Advent. There was anticipation to start my program come the new year.

Winter came and went. My sweet sister and I were in touch and saw each other in my area, but it was difficult to slow down and gather the quality time we were seeking. I visited her in mid March, the first day of spring. It was exciting to end the winter season which felt long, cold and dreary. The countdown was on for spring break and the anticipation for blooms and warmer weather ahead! My parents and I met her boyfriend's brother and Mom and had a formal, delicious lunch together. Overall, it was a busy weekend with change of plans for Mass due to size limits and reservations, and a full morning of driving and navigating churches. It came about to be a busy week also, and just a lot to process. I was feeling burnt out with my program and job and was very much looking forward to Easter. 

And July, I visited after what felt like a long while though we had just seen each other the week prior for the 4th and some family gatherings. These memories came to me, and I realized the internal growth, development and journey. My sister's clean, vibrant, oasis of a place made me relax, and reflect. As I slept on the floor in her room that night, the blowing air and freshness of the fan made my mind consider all that has happened in a years time. It felt like a new freshness, growth has developed and the pictures on her walls of  blooms, and artwork fit the experience. 

While we were at Starbucks together, I saw pictures of plants on the walls, and it made these ideas, realizations all come together and help depict an image of gathering the growth, gratitude and being present to it all resonate within me.