Spring

Yard work always seems to be more tolerable in spring. It is difficult to complain when one is surrounded by so much life. Just this last weekend I had a list of tasks that needed to be completed; some of which was very grueling work. But it is the feelings and images of my surroundings that made this day more significant.

It is a beautiful clear morning and the dew is still glistening on the blades of grass. The air is fresh and sweet with the smell of cut grass and flowers. Bumble-bees are in pursuit of pollen and every bird in the sky seems to be singing a song. A neighbor’s dog is barking in the distance and the children next door are playing outside. Off of my back porch I can see a huge spot of grassless dirt, which is where the prior tenant’s above ground pool sat. Zigzagging ruts made by the tractor can be seen all throughout the dirt. I grabbed the rake and began working.

Getting all of these ruts smoothed out is no easy task. The dirt is dry and hard, due to the rays of the spring-time sun. After some time, I found myself discouraged at how daunting this task is, but after a deep breath and a glance at my surroundings, I am at peace. After leveling the dirt, I began spreading the grass seed. I slung a handful at a time across the large stretch of soil. My inner dialogue is filled with statements like, “I hope this works” and “I can’t wait for a full yard of grass”. With the seeds in place, it is time to provide ample water to promote growth. The process of growing grass is a long and arduous task, but given the right conditions, one can appreciate some of the simpler things in life.

The feeling of accomplishment that one gets when working outdoors is second to none. This feeling, coupled with an inspirational back-drop is a formula to ensure a level of satisfaction and peace. Spring is a symbol of new life and rebirth. This is for good reason, since it is the one time of the year that I feel the most alive and attuned with nature. I wish spring lasted all year long, but I guess then it would not be as magical. I will just need to make the best of this spring and soak up every bit of it.