The smell of jasmine

Walking the streets of my neighbourhood am pleasantly embraced by the wafting fragrance of jasmine. It seems to carry me along. The stunning smell that comes from those little white blossoms compels me to seek a Creator whose craftsmanship in the little and grand beauties of nature draw me in. How even the sense of smell is such a wonderful thing, often taken for granted. Imagine not being able to smell?

The smell of spring is in the air. Jasmine, orange blossoms, freesias, stocks. The look of spring is here.  New buds on plants and trees, heralding a change of season is nigh. I love seasons. Seasons in weather, seasons in life. Love it that we do not have to endure the heat of summer all year long (although living in Taiwan it surely felt like 9 months of the year was summer), or the cold of winter. Love it that we can look forward to cooler months or warmer months. Nature reminds us that the only thing that is constant is change.

It is human to crave stability. It is human to desire comfort. It is human to want balance. When faced with changes, little or big, there can sometimes be hesitation or cringe factor, sometimes relief. Especially when change is desperately needed. But too much 'all at once' change can send one reeling and feeling overwhelmed. Seasons seem to remind me that life is about change. Rather resolve myself to it, then resist or fight it. Embrace change, rather than deny it.

I read a little devotion this morning with one line capturing my full attention; Treasure curiosity more than certainty. It kinda flows with the ebb of changing seasons. The bubbling anticipation of what the next season in life will bring. Of the benefits of curiosity over being stuck in the mud. Of being broad and open minded over being narrow or short sighted. Of treasuring opportunities to meet new people, experience new things over being trapped in routine.

In the back of my mind is the saying, curiosity killed the cat. Almost a paradox to treasuring curiosity over certainty. Can see the potential burden of always living the predictable, the mundane, how quickly that gets tedious and can zap energy and turn fulfilment into boredom. Rather enjoy the wonder of each new day and have a sense of delightful curiosity in it. What will a change of season bring? Not being afraid of change rather welcoming it. Welcoming change with all ones senses, the sights, smells, sounds, tastes and feelings. This is not about always living in the tomorrow, or the next phase of life, being able to hug today and everything in it while having a sense of quietly growing anticipation for the next season in life.

Cherishing change of seasons, as we prepare to say goodbye to winter and welcome spring. Cherishing the simplicity and loveliness of jasmine that inspired my thoughts and its fragrance that walked with me this morning. Cherishing curiosity over certainty.