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DAVID BENTLEY'S WEEKLY COLUMN

Previous
columns

Won't It Be Fun?

Choosing to Be Amused

Common Threads

Shadow Angel

Lunch With a Crow

Must Be Nice!

The Drive for Perfection

When a Celebrity Dies

Busted

Morning Frost

MORE COLUMNS...

Spring Is Here

Signs of spring are everywhere. There are more and more sun breaks. The grass, dandelions, and red clover are growing as gas-powered lawn equipment is heard more frequently. Hyacinths and daffodils have given way to blooming tulips. Birds are building nests. Bicyclists and walkers appear daily. Mopeds and scoot cars are being rented. There are already more unfamiliar faces on town sidewalks than familiar ones.

As with any cycle, the seasons have their ups and downs. We've gotten through winter with short days, long nights, gray skies, and more rest. Now we're easing into summer with long days, blue skies, sunshine and more activity. Naturally it is exciting. There are more smiles on faces than in the past months. Plans are being made for summer gardens, outdoor barbecues, and warm-weather recreation. It is as if each of us is being infused with energy.

In spite of this increased energy, however, it is important to remember the concept of balance. A friend and I were discussing working on our planters and garden plots when she asked, "Does it hurt so much the next day because we're getting older or because we're so out of shape." I replied that is was probably a little bit of both along with our forgetting to follow the admonition about moderation in all things. It's difficult to hold back and not overdo when being active in the sunshine again feels so good.

So enjoy the great weather. Get your hands dirty in the garden soil. Have a good time walking, running, riding your bike, or sitting on the beach. Clean off the lawn furniture and hang the hammock. And if you see me sitting on that bench in front of the drug store catching some rays, stop and join me for a brief rest and conversation. I promise to share my sun screen.

  • How has the spring weather affected you?

  • What will you do today that you haven't done in a long time?

  • Do you follow the admonition to be moderate in all things?

  • Are you remembering to rest and play, too?

© 2007 David Bentley


David Bentley, M.Ed., is an avid observer of people, places and events. He uses his storytelling and questioning skills to help himself and others think outside the box in an ever-changing world.

Comments about his column can be sent to davidbentley@sanjuanislander.com.

SAN JUAN ISLANDER © 2008

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