As seasons change, maybe we can be more open to loving others

In Montana, locals observe that they have three seasons: "July, August and Winter!" I went on an amazing trip to Montana about four years ago, and it was in May, my boys were out of school, and so it was the ideal time for us to travel, but what we had not anticipated was the snow would still be a foot deep in places and the roads that we hoped to conquer were still closed to traffic. I learned that summer, indeed spring, had not arrived yet in the northern reaches of Montana.

The seasons change in South Carolina, but some do not last for long. Our summers can be oppressively hot, but our springs and falls can be unbelievably pleasant. Winter does come, but there are certainly winters when we do not take our heavy coats out of the closet. Some people long for four distinct seasons. Some people who have moved to the South long for snow, and soon they realize they have to travel to feed their need.

There are many people who love the fall ritual of leaves changing color. Some will drive to the mountains to capture the peak of color change. Trees that were boldly green before transform into vibrant reds, yellows and oranges; many trees are so intense they appear to be on fire. We know this period of intensity does not last for long, and so we learn to savor it when it comes.

The changing of the seasons is a part of the natural process that our earth goes through. The colors of the fall and the brilliant leaves fall to the earth, leading to the barrenness of winter. Winter often seems stark, but we know that it is a part of nature taking care of itself. We hope that it won't be long before the new buds of spring appear, leading to a lush canopy. Each year, in nature, there is birth and growth, death and renewal.

Though at a much slower and less drastic pace, our lives follow a similar cycle. Those of us who have been around for more than a few decades can attest to the changes that happen, some welcomed, others not so welcome. Our hearts can change, too. This can happen slowly over time, or it may be more sudden. A grievance done to us can be forgiven, but sometimes it may be gradual, as our hearts soften and kindness guides our response. We often say that people can't change, but people can change. Sometimes we might need help from a power greater than we are, and sometimes the work of that power might even be undetectable to us, but it is there. Maybe as the seasons change and the trees embrace their temporary, vibrant color, maybe we can be more open to loving others as we love ourselves. This is my hope.

Stewart Rawson is the pastor of First Presbyterian Church in downtown Sumter.