He is a wise man who does not grieve for the things which he has not but rejoices for those which he has.
Epictetus
Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
Just recently, I did a late fall hike with two friends. It was a cloudy, generally cold day with just a few raindrops and a bit of hail. The trail had quite a lot of uphill as well as rocky sections. The main fall display of colors was largely past. Yet despite the challenges, it was a marvelous adventure.
Reflecting on the day, I think that my joy at the day was not only simply being in nature with friends, but that my expectations were appropriate for the season. I wasn’t anticipating stunning fall color, but, rather, the subtle beauty of the late fall colors of rusts, reds, and browns, with the occasional bright spot of yellow or gold shrubs and grasses. The weather was pretty much as predicted, so I wasn’t expecting bright sunshine with mostly blue skies. That acceptance of circumstances allowed me to be able to savor and enjoy the splendor of clouds and mists weaving among the treetops and mountain peaks.
We often have the choice to recognize realistic expectations and appreciate the positives about the situation, or we can focus on what we are “missing”. Each season has its own loveliness as they come and go. This is not only true in nature, but life. So much joy in life is possible when we expect, anticipate, and appreciate the blessings of the present time…
