Changing Seasons

 

This past week we noticed our Barn Swallows were gone, presumably for their trip south along a pathway which takes them to their alternate climate compatible home in Central or South America.  According to a chart found on the internet, Barn Swallows from various regions in North America have a predetermined route which they follow beginning in June and July.  They’ll return to our area beginning as early as January; but it seems our Barn Swallows come back much later, perhaps in March.

According to the flight paths shown on the chart, Barn Swallows leaving southern Texas must fly across the Gulf to reach winter quarters.  I can’t imagine the energy required to remain in the air all that distance; how do these small creatures make it all that way? Are they guided and supported by that same Spirit which guides and supports mortal beings through this life?  Just wondering…

We’ll miss observing their acrobatic flights, darting about as they pluck mosquitoes out of thin air while we sit on the porch taking in the evening performances.  Their nests will remain protected from the weather until they return next spring; our assuming the same Barn Swallows know which spot on this spinning planet is their home each time they return.

It’s been that kind of week, a roller coaster of emotions watching the natural order of things.

One of our friends passed away Monday after a prolonged battle with health issues.   Her spirit returned home on the other side of mortality after such a short season of knowing her.  I’m certain she was guided home by the same Spirit that helps Barn Swallows as they cross over such a great expanse. Scripture assures us that she will be welcomed home to a place that has been prepared for her along with those awaiting her return.

…Along with those awaiting her return. Maybe our time spent in mortality, living here with our trials and tribulations, experiences and memories, becoming more complete as our journey continues, isn’t this similar to the chance we have to observe Barn Swallows for the short time they are with us?  Just wondering…

Yesterday we got a call from our daughter letting us know one of her cats had reached the time when life was too painful for her kitty.  She knew her responsibility for loving that kitty included the dreaded trip to the veterinarian where an injection would permit life to end peacefully. All the emotions that accompany having to say goodbye take us down this path, a path which we start down the moment we permit these critters to enter our hearts, becoming members of our family.

Emotions run full circle as we say hello one day, while at the same time, acknowledging that seasons change, surely the day will come, and we will say goodbye.  Here’s the interesting part; as we say goodbye here in mortality and feel the loss, that loss is only temporary. We are eternal beings, and this was part of the experience along our journey, the Great Plan of Happiness.