Coffee Dharma

Winter Summons

Posted on 23. Oct, 2007 by Rob in All, Musings, Older

As the days are growing colder I am called back once again to childhood memories and impressions. I am captured by the memories of crisp evenings, the rustle of colored leaves, the excitement of elementary school Halloween parties, and the kaleidoscope of nature’s last fling before the long winter sleep.

I see in my son a hope of repeated wonderment with this season. Autumn has always held a special place in my heart. I’m sure as a child a major factor in this was the timing of my birthday. As I grow older I am sometimes discouraged to see children no longer fully enjoying the simple things anymore. I ride my bike with my son through neighborhoods void of children playing, laughing, and being children. We live in an era of video games and constant media stimulation. Are we replacing the amazement of a fresh pile of leaves with electronics? I want to encourage my children to embrace the technologies of our days yet I often wonder where the line should be drawn.

If for just one day I ask that those with children to take the time to go outside. Smell the musty and brilliant scents of autumn. Make a costume with your child (trust me, the experience of making rather than buying is worth it). Go to a pumpkin patch and spend the afternoon finding the perfect gourd instead of picking one up at the grocery store. Collect the best leaves on a long walk through the woods. Play a game of muddy football. Wear hooded sweatshirts. Go to an orchard and drink fresh cider with warm donuts. Find a hay ride or create your own. Read a terrifying book under a blanket tent with a flashlight. Become a child once again for the sake of yours.

Soon the winds will change again and blow in the secluded shivers of winter. Nature gives us the opportunity to experience a grand finale to the year before this sleep. Get out and enjoy the fireworks.

Tags: Holiday, Kellen, Life, Musings