Thanks For Giving

As I take a break to look out the window, I am happy to see the myriad of leaves have been removed from our outdoor play space. Oh sure, there was plenty of opportunity to rake piles, jump in them, toss them into the air and create collages too. There was also a sense of starkness as trees became stripped of leaves by the wind. This may read strange, but the lack of leaves adds a sense of order to the space. We can actually see when a child's mitten goes missing or see where the instrument or toy ended up when they walked away from the area they were playing in. Bikes, scooters and feet can navigate the path much more safely now too.

While I look at the emptiness of the trees where color once was, I am reminded that spring will be here before you know and nature's bounty will once again be shared. The leaves will bud and bloom, giving promise to what lies ahead next fall. I am also reminded to be thankful for all the trees in our play space that give color and shade through spring, summer, fall and evergreen color through the winter. 

So thanks for giving us so much beauty and opportunity all year long planet Earth. I'm so thankful to see evidence everyday. So thankful for the laughing voices of children busily raking, jumping and tossing those leaves. Thankful to see the large landscaping truck arrive to haul the multitude of them away. I may be thankful the leaves are gone from the ground, but will miss them until they return this spring.