Going to our getaway in the Berkshires is always joyful. I feel any tension or stress peeling away as I get nearer and nearer. Upon our arrival, I exhale a deep, cleansing breath, sucking in the fresh air.
After unloading the car and having a cup of home roasted coffee, I typically sweep the deck clear of twigs or anything that finds its way onto the surface of tables and chairs. It’s a ritual of preparation for enjoying my time here.
Now that we’re in Autumn, the trees that encircle the house are letting loose in full force. As we waded through ankle-deep piles of leaves, I glanced at the deck to assess. The deck, needless to say, was blanketed. But unless there’s snow, the deck still needs attending.
After restocking the wood for the stove, I grabbed the broom. Following nearly fifteen minutes of work in the brisk morning air, my work was complete.
I turned to return to the house, only to find the leaves strewn across my previously cleaned deck. I knew it was hopeless to expect anything more; nature wins every time. But I felt good, despite my “wasted” effort.
I completed my ritual and prepared the deck for a new layer of leaves. It’s important to recognize that, in life, nature always wins. We can only control our actions, words, and thoughts.
The rest, well, it’s not up to us.
