Years ago, while living in Houston, Texas, we had the sweetest neighbors, Dave and Neva Nicholson. Our younger daughter, Kelly, referred to them as Mr. and Mrs. Nickian, which always made them laugh. Dave worked for the Exxon Corporation, and Neva was a stay-at-home wife and mom.

One day, while I was outside with the girls, Neva came out of her home to check their mail. We began talking as the girls played. I will never forget her words to me that day. She looked into my eyes and said, “Dianne, do not forget to take the time to smell the roses.”

As I look around me this time of year, I am tempted to say that spring is my favorite season. I love the brilliant display of colors bursting forth. I love the iridescent green of the trees that fills the sky and the scent of dogwood blooms in the air. Anyone riding in my car has to tolerate the “ooh’s” and the ahh’s” as we travel down the road; I don’t want to miss any aspect of God’s amazing creation.

But my sweet neighbor, Neva, was not speaking of God’s creation. She was referring to His created ones; my daughters. You see, her children were grown, her season with them was over and shewas now living in a time of reflection. As she reflected back, there had been moments when she had allowed life’s distractions and busyness to rob her of special times (her time to smell the roses) with her children; she did not want me to make that same mistake.

Now, I am “Neva,” telling young women not to forget to take the time to smell the roses. I have raised my girls, and now they are raising our grandchildren. There have been times when I failed to stop and enjoy the seasons filled with the brilliance of God’s majesty, power, and creativity. Despite Neva’s words, there have been times when I failed to stop and enjoy the seasons of life and those with whom I have shared them.

When I was a child, I remember riding down the highway traveling so fast that the landscape outside was a just a blur. Life is like a ride in the car; if you travel through too quickly, failing to take the time to stop and savor life it will be a blur. Make every season of life your favorite season—take time to smell the roses!

Take the time to sit and gaze at a sunset.

Take the time to roll in the fall leaves with your children.

Take the time to ride through the countryside with your spouse.

Take the time to make up silly songs with your toddler.

Take time to enjoy the beauty of the azalea bushes and the dogwood trees in bloom.

Take time to read a book to your daughter.

Take time to play ball with your son.

God said it best, There is a time for everything,  and a season for every activity under the heavens: a time to be born and a time to die,  a time to plant and a time to uproot,  a time to kill and a time to heal, a time to tear down and a time to build, a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance,  a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them, a time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing,  a time to search and a time to give up, a time to keep and a time to throw away, a time to tear and a time to mend, a time to be silent and a time to speak, a time to love and a time to hate, a time for war and a time for peace (Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 NIV).

In the midst of weeping, don’t forget to laugh. In the midst of mourning, don’t forget to dance.

Dianne