I just spent four glorious days in Charleston with my five Soul Sisters. They still live in Kansas City where I enjoyed eighteen years of “doing life” with them before moving to Alabama five years ago. Being with them reminded me of how much I still miss the times we had while I lived there.
As I drove home through the Georgia/Alabama countryside, the trees were changing colors. They were pretty, but nothing compares to the brilliant colors Kansas City showcases in the fall. Traveling back to Alabama, not only was I missing my girlfriends, I found myself wishing I could see the beautiful shades of Kansas City’s October foliage.
Fall is a bit different here than what we experienced in Kansas City. On this particular late-October day, the sun was offering warmth as the temperatures neared 80 degrees. But in Alabama, the weather can rapidly change. Realizing a freeze could be around the corner, I decided to enjoy the warm conditions while they last and I conducted a yard tour. Here’s what I discovered:
My impatiens have grown into giants — something I never saw in my garden in KC.
The re-blooming tea olives were still producing a sweet aroma — even our college student who helps out on the ranch commented on the fragrance.
The red Coleus have grown so big and vibrant they look like bushes — certainly nothing like the potted version I had in KC.
The beauty of my yard tour overwhelmed me and reminded me that God shares his splendor in different ways, no matter where I live. It made me grateful for what I have right now.
It also helped me realize that enjoying my forever girlfriends — even if only for a few days — is also a gift to cherish and appreciate.
Winter will soon come (whatever that looks like in Alabama) and my beautiful plants will be gone for this year. But I don’t want to be sad, because as the next season approaches, I anticipate what amazing things God has in store for me to enjoy. I know it will be different, but the smell of tea olives and the gift of friendship reminds me to embrace this season of my life.
Oh Susan, this makes me so happy to see! What fun you all must have had. Our fall has been pretty but dry and warm like you. So this year I am still enjoying impatience and other flowers as well. Wish we could have tea olives! It’s important to enjoy where we are at this moment and while it last. Our grand babies won’t be babies long and each stage moves so fast! Thanks for the reminder today as I start the rush into the Christmas season…I need to just appreciate today. Blessings, Kim M
This is great. I know your light shines wherever you are planted. You are missed in KC, but I am thankful my love for the South brings us together now and then.