I love this time of year. Chilly weather and hot apple cider- I love wrapping up in thick blankets and sitting around a camp fire. . . that rhymed and I didn't mean it to. But, that's what this season does to me. Overcast days means driving around listening to melancholy folk music or Bryan Adams' covers of Taylor swift songs. I was born for this time of year.
It is a curious feeling - then - that at the same time that I am reveling in all things autumn I am secretly wishing I could skip past all of it - Christmas, the hustle and bustle, and the expectations I put on myself to somehow have it all together. This "end of the year" push for resolution and starting over and beginning new has my little red-headed heart a little anxious. Because, I feel like I am quite literally starting over. Again. And, it's not my favorite thing. One week after Friendsgiving, I was sitting in my living room with my parents and we had our second annual big discussion about my hair. The alopecia "glory spots" have gotten bigger these last few months and are near impossible to cover now. I had to come to terms with the thought of doing something drastic with my hair again. The reason I am even writing this blog is because at some point in our conversation, my mom looked at me and said, "promise me one thing. . . No matter what you end up doing, take pictures first." It had been a while since I had documented the ever changing loss and growth of my poor little hair follicles. So, in true Nina fashion, the next day, I grabbed my camera on a overcast autumn day and began to take pictures. But, what began to happen as I captured these seemingly undesirable parts of me was the realization again of how beautiful those pieces really are. These spots that are gone but growing back. This tension of loss and growth, the push and pull of vibrant red hair growing back white. It is everything that I love about autumn. When green leaves are replaced with reds and yellows, setting the skyline alight with mesmerizing colors- there is no other response but to stand in awe . . . and take pictures. And, never for one moment have I ever thought "I wonder if the leaves will grow back next year." They just always do. They are made to lose and gain and grow and change, all for the glory of their Creator. So am I. I was made for this time of year.
There is comfort in knowing that God looks at me and doesn't see a tree losing it's leaves and wonders if I'll ever grow them back again. It's comforting to know that in all my mess and undesirable pieces, He sees a process of life playing out before him. I pray that I will not look on my life with shame but rejoice that God redeems all the broken pieces of our lives for His glory.
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About the Author: Nina Schultz is a 34 year old redhead from South Louisiana now living in Dallas, Texas. Her passion for people, creativity, and her faith has sparked many of the adventures she has found herself on. Whether it is through photography, art, music, or writing- she is always ready to capture the profoundly beautiful moments of life- common or extraordinary. Archives
June 2023
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