Spring Prelude

The temperature difference these days is truly relentless, isn't it?
Yesterday it felt like short sleeves would be fine, but today I need a coat.

When I left the house this morning, it was so warm and sunny, but on my way home tonight, a cold wind brushed against my cheeks.
What on earth am I supposed to wear?

There is a passage in the Bible that says:

Do not worry about what you will wear.
<Bible, Gospel of Matthew, Chapter 6>

Even if told that, it is still difficult.

Mornings where only time passes in front of the closet.

Don't you have mornings like that too?

Still, just a month ago, there was a plum blossom that lit a gentle warmth in my heart.

Now, those plum petals are quietly dancing to the ground.

The seasons are surely moving forward, aren't they?

It is said that above the Japanese archipelago, the cold winter air and the warm spring air are playing a tug-of-war, pushing and shoving against each other.

The result is this fickle temperature.

And the word that describes this seasonal transition is 'Sankan-shion' (three cold days and four warm days).
Three days of cold and four days of warmth.

I don't know if that is strictly true, but I like this term because it feels like the signs of spring are gradually mixing into the cold.

Although it is used like a term for early spring, it is originally a winter seasonal word.

There are warm days, and there are cold days. It is okay to have both...

That is likely the way of nature.

And this 'Sankan-shion' is often compared to our daily lives.
Just when you think things are going smoothly, you suddenly hit an unexpected wall.
If things go well, you are happy; if you fail, you feel down.


In this way, we live our days, experiencing joys and sorrows.

But that is not a bad thing. Because it is proof that your heart is truly alive...

However, if a pendulum swings far to the right, it will inevitably swing just as far to the left.
The greater the joy, the deeper the depression.
If you repeat that swaying over and over, your heart will become completely exhausted, won't it?

When you are happy, it is fine to raise both hands and jump for joy, and when you are struggling, it is fine to hold your head and feel down.
But you don't always have to swing to the extreme with all your might.

'Well, these things happen!'

If you could live with just that much range of motion, wouldn't your heart feel much lighter?

For plants, winter is a very important season.

They do not waste energy, and while protecting their roots and buds, they prepare to grow all at once in the spring.


In human terms, it is a time to sleep deeply and recover strength.
It takes that much energy to bloom beautiful flowers.
That is why, behind those cherry blossoms in full bloom, such surprisingly quiet work must be continuing.

I am terrible with the cold, but winter has gifts that only winter can offer.

The warmth of others feels more precious than ever, and the silence gives me space to face myself.

Humans are surely the same.

The moments when you think, 'Oh, it's gone back to the cold winter again,' might actually be God speaking to you like this:
'Aren't you in too much of a hurry?'

'Aren't you worrying too much about those around you?'


Therefore, phenomena that look like setbacks might actually be in the middle of nurturing something important.

Events themselves are not inherently good or bad; it seems the scenery changes depending on how you perceive them.

Emotions are things that fluctuate. It seems humans are naturally built to be a little prone to swaying.

But,


'Oh, I'm swaying right now.'

Just by noticing that, your heart will calm down a little.

Don't get too carried away, and don't get too down.

'It's spring today!'
'Oh, is it winter today?'


If you can just savor the day as it is like this, that would be wonderful.

The season of Sankan-shion may look like it is returning to winter, but it is by no means going back to winter.


While swaying and while adjusting, the season is quietly heading toward spring.


Our hearts are surely walking the same path somewhere.
I believe God is always guiding us toward happiness.
When you can think that, you might be able to return your heart to a calm place.

Do not be swayed by the events that occur, do not say this or that, just handle things calmly with a smile.
This is everything.
<Masaki Kobayashi, Author>


Do not get angry at trivial things.
Do not get overly excited about trivial things.
Do not get depressed over trivial things.
You don't need more than what is necessary.
True joy is hidden in the calm, everyday life.
Continue to live humbly.
<Keanu Reeves, American Actor>


Calmly, but carefully, enjoy the day.

In that repetition, the season will quietly flow toward spring.

🌸Thank you for reading today as well. I look forward to seeing you next time.🌸