Ah, the changing seasons, the unfolding of each new day, like the seasons of a life. This week we were up north for Judy's birthday - the first day of summer, the longest day of the year - and experienced once again: 

The glory and freshness of dawn, which comes so early right now in the north country, like the eager excitement of early life - first child, first grandchild, first steps, new experiences. The seasons of life.

Then the steady stability of the afternoon of life when much has been accomplished, our work is well on its way, with much still to be done. A central season of life.

Later the quiet hush of early evening and the end of the day. Up north on June 21, the hours of sunlight slowly fade into a warm sunset in the late evening. And even long after the sun has disappeared, …