Tag Archives: Seasons

The Closing Shift Lens

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I almost always work the closing shift at the coffee shop.

It’s usually quieter at night. I can watch the sunset through big bay windows, read in my down time if I’m lucky and chat away the night with co-workers and quirky regulars. It’s not half bad actually.

The closing shift does have some negatives though. Not only are there far less customers than the morning but also less positive attitudes. Customers haven’t woken up eagerly looking forward to their morning cup of joe. No, I’m serving some people that have had crappy days, people that need an afternoon pickup, people who just want the day to be over.

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And sometimes, by the end of the night, I think their exhaustion has rubbed off on me. I’m so ready to wipe the counters, the espresso machine, dump the remaining coffee and prep for a whole new day.

Serve customers. Clean up the mess. Start all over.

It’s a cycle. But it’s missing something.

My closing shift cycle is missing the part where I get to see everything through new lenses. It’s missing the part where I walk behind the counter to sparkling counter tops, the smell of freshly brewed coffee and start my day clean.

What I’ve been seeing instead, is the dirt and grime at the end of the day. When all I see is splattered opportunities and spilled mistakes, it’s difficult for me to remember what it looks like at the beginning of the day.

What am I learning though? That every day can start new. Yesterday could have been messy and less than ideal; Today is clean and prepped for a whole pile of possibilities. No matter how many lattes I dropped the day before, the floors can always be wiped spotless the next time around (although I may have to pay for a few of those mishaps).

The last blog I wrote was about me choosing the future with a positive outlook. I think lately, my life has been day after day of lessons – lessons of choosing, having options, and just deciding to turn things around. I don’t believe it’s a mistake that I work closing shifts or don’t always get to see the neat and tidy part of the coffee shop. My life hasn’t been neat or tidy, but I’m learning that even the uncertain and unorganized seasons can be changed.

Thanks for reading about my lessons. I hope by following me, you too can know the choices you have and the hope you can hold onto to turn your season around.

// xx

Winter is Dead and Hope is Alive

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“If we had no winter, the spring would not be so pleasant: if we did not sometimes taste of adversity, prosperity would not be so welcome.” – Anne Bradstreet

After nearly no physical exercise this winter (minus the yoga at home and the winter walks) I ran outside today. I ran in the 35 degree Wisconsin weather that is similar to a refreshing summer day. And although I am severely out of shape, the sun cheered me on and the melting snow puddled under my moving feet.

I was reminded of the gift of sun and comfort of warmth. It all brought me back to visions of England life, where the weather was always drab and those beautiful few days were filled with joy.

As we have endured, and will continue to endure as more snow arrives tomorrow, the cold winters build a foundation for thankful springs.

Author Anne Bradstreet had it right. All of our trials and challenges give us hope for better times. The times we are fighting ourselves and the tragedies of life, build a foundation for thankful times. 

If this is one of those not-so-great seasons in the valley of desperation, be reminded of the seasons on the mountain tops. Hold onto hope for a better, happier tomorrow but also be grateful for the growing season you may find yourself in.

 

Un-Weathered Feelings

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Within the past year or so I have written several posts regarding the sun, clouds, rain, or weather in general. I’ve found a trend.

This had me wondering: Why?

Why do I write about the weather – of all things? The insipid conversation that usually occurs between two acquaintances, strangers, or during awkward circumstances is not something to blog about…or is it?

It’s more about the unspoken conversation. The overall acceptance of when the weather is rainy and wet, anyone can suddenly transform into a major grump. People complain more, sleep more, and smile less. When winter comes, there’s this excuse to have shorter, less meaningful talks. And once the sun returns everyone chirps up with happiness.

What is this?

Since when did the weather determine our emotions?

Since when is our joy based on the unpredictable – especially in the Midwest – seasons?

Well, I don’t know, but I don’t like it. I don’t like it one bit. These seasons are ever-changing and our emotions don’t have to sway along with it. If our enjoyment is carved out after we glance out the window, than that’s just sad. We can hope in something greater. We can hope in something constant and never-changing. Our joy can come from a solid rock rather than a rarely correct weatherman.

Nehemiah 8:10 – Do not be saddened for the joy of the Lord is your strength.

Romans 15:13 – May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.

“What I am anxious to see in Christian believers is a beautiful paradox. I want to see in them the joy of finding God while at the same time they are blessedly pursuing Him. I want to see in them the great joy of having God yet always wanting Him.” A.W. Tozer.

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On top of this, can we enjoy the place we are in now? Can we enjoy the blossoming flowers and showers in the spring, the endless sunshine and late nights in the summer, the fading colors in the fall, and the purity of snow in the winter? If not – then what happens when all the leaves fall off the trees and the sun comes earlier? What happens when you feel the chill air deep in your core?

My hope is for me, and all people, to hope in more than the wavering outdoors, but rather to hope in the joy the Lord has provided in the here and now.


Pseudo-Spring

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Is this the real thing? Can it honestly be March 5, sun is shining bright and warm, 60 degrees? I think not. I’m calling your bluff, season greetings. As I ran and ran, doubting the realness of the weather, I saw this. A blooming flower. I know that is real. The purple cannot be fake. Even ignoring the dead leaves near it, there the beauty holds. Spring is near. Spring is upon us. Out with the dirty, cold rain and in with the heavy, sun-is-shining-and-its-still-raining thing.

In honor of spring, I welcomed the changing seasons with A Fine Frenzy’s – Now is the Start, dance party. Join me will you? Spring or no spring where you lay your head, know that it’s coming.

“Spring shows what God can do with a drab and dirty world.”
― Virgil Kraft

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