It’s that time of year again - Spring has arrived. The days are getting longer, and the weather is warmer. The trees are budding. The grass starts greening up, and the flowers start blooming. The earth is waking up from the dormancy of winter. It is a beautiful time. But this season has a dark side…those of us who have lived through at least one spring here in Huntsville know of the challenge to the senses that this season brings – the pollening. A time when our cars take on a yellow tinge, and our allergies flare up. We wish it would just stop, and that the pollen would go away and never return. However, that would be a terrible thing to happen. Pollen is necessary. Without pollen, there are no fruits or seeds or grains.

Pollen is one of those little challenges of life – those irritations that we just have to get through. Life is full of challenges – a coworker who is always complaining, traffic that backs up when running late, that important thing that was forgotten. How we deal with the challenges is an important part of who we are and who we are becoming. We can take a “woe is me” victim mentality, or we can step up to the plate and handle it. Challenges give us opportunities to grow. Maybe we get to grow patience or empathy; maybe they encourage us to practice better organization; or maybe our attitude of thankfulness is strengthened. Regardless of which opportunity for growth is placed before you, I hope that you face it with grace and an overcoming, adaptable attitude. Your children are watching you. They are learning how to face their own adversities and challenges from the example you are setting. You help them grow their own perseverance as they see you meet your challenges head on and as you encourage them to do the same. May your challenges be short and your pollen washed away.

God’s Blessings,

Delaine Schiestel