When peeps line the store shelves and egg hunts are scheduled nobody wants to wait a moment longer for the glory of spring. When what falls from the sky should be glistening raindrops and instead, puffy white flakes accumulate on branches hearts grow discouraged. Come fall we’ll welcome those flakes, so why not welcome them during the transition of spring?

The few days of sunshine, satisfying cheep of chicks and shoots of tender grasses hastened our anticipation for spring’s warmer days. We hoped it was an April Fool’s charade when snow again passed through the Selkirks but nature said, “No way, I won’t cave.” The snow continued to taunt and test us despite the fact we’d prefer the batter of rain on the roof and muddy boots in the house. Feelings aside, all things can be rewritten; with a shift in perspective treasures are unearthed as is inspiration.

This spring we’re rearing to till the soil, bust out our sandals, and enjoy sunshine-filled days that bend into hours usually covered in darkness but nature is shushing us, telling us to wait. Waiting demands we accept the uncomfortable reality that our plans are tenuous at best and it’s not just mother nature who can throw the game. Wounds that lead to broken relationships, an unpredicted medical diagnosis, an accident, the global economy’s roller coaster… we want unobtainable security. Unfortunately, we trade the gift of today for anxiety, frustration and find ourselves empty and disappointed.

Waiting requires us to believe in what feels impossible. In this case, some wonder if they will have enough time and energy to accomplish spring’s tasks in a shortened period. When we face the impossible we must remember countless times the impossible happened and we prevailed.

Somehow, someway, our tasks will get done, so let’s enjoy a final moment of rest. Yes, rest.

Perhaps this dusting is nature’s way of providing a bit more rest before we fully emerge from hibernation. After all, the simplicity of rural life denies complacency. We collect, prepare, produce and contemplate improvements to best manage our lives and land. If we’re honest, many rural residents run circles on life’s hamster wheel no different than those who sport suits and stockings in the city. Necessity and satisfaction are a fierce concoction and often our bodies need more rest than we allow.

These snow-filled days that feel like robbery are an opportunity to rest and reflect. Let’s look for ways to lighten our hearts of the unnecessary, readjust our perspective and nurture our bodies with a bit more rest.

Joy abounds for those willing to look carefully and received life’s simple treasures. Before we raise an angry fist to the clouds and glare at our cold-weather wardrobes, let’s take a deep breath and enjoy the legitimate excuse to sit back and enjoy a final moment of rest.