Jessica Johnson

Last week as we drove across the bridge in town, my kids squealed with delight as they took turns guessing when all the ice would be off the lake. We searched around our neighborhood for the handiwork of our Creator as He began to unfold to us a masterpiece in each bud of the crocuses that peeked out of the cold hard ground. Mother robin prompted them onward as the treasure hunt to find her secret began. Discovering the home for her babies presented yet another invitation to more wonder as the process of life would soon unfold in the treasure of bright blue eggs and eventually babies in the coming days.

Each year up at the cabin, my youngest girls eagerly await the opportunity to walk with their great uncle to the compost bin. Now, let’s be honest, not many people eagerly await composting! But they squeal with glee at the invitation. Their great uncle is very purposeful in all that he does and each step he takes in life and in trash is very intentional! Only certain items get composted and the fire is prepared in the proper way. With him, getting rid of the trash is a learning opportunity unlike anything else!

The cheerful sunflowers and the bounty from harvest bring a gentle reminder that fall is just around the corner! For our family, saying goodbye to hot lazy days in the sun and relaxing weekends at the cabin are hard to let go of, but pumpkin spice lattes and football eagerly beckon us.

Though our humble suburban home doesn’t boast of the best landscaping or the greenest grass, it does give us a unique, birds-eye view to all the comings and goings of our neighbors. As they walk their dogs, take coolers or paddle boards down to the lake and drive to and from work, we see their lives unfold before us day-by-day. Likewise, they see our family on display since our house is the corner lot to the main entrance of our neighborhood.

As I stood at the terminal gate watching person after person board the plane that I was hoping to fly on, I knew that my chances for using the standby ticket in my hand were slim to none. That flight was no different than the flight before it, there was simply no room! Would I get back in time for my college classes the next morning in Florida? Would I be able to find a ride if my flight arrived in the middle of the night?

January in Minnesota is often seen as drudgery. We typically try to just get through it. Between the bitter cold and dull gray skies, there’s not much to look forward to. As I considered how the holidays were long past, and my stir-crazy kids were stuck indoors loaded with energy to burn, the prospect of a date with my husband seemed like a dream. When we heard about local restaurants being able to open again, our excitement was paramount as we planned a dinner out.

As I savored a quiet moment to gaze upon the glistening waves on the lake across the street from our home, my thoughts turned to the changing of seasons. The nearby maple’s fiery orange and golden leaves reminded me of the preparations needed for the myriad of traditions our family enjoys each Holiday season. My mind quickly began to fill with lists of things to do, but an excited shout from my youngest daughter swiftly redirected my attention. “Mommy, Mommy, when do we get to go see Mr. Clint and get a candy cane?”