Nature's Reminder: Growth and Time

0:00The latest headlines, weather, and stories right here on Birmingham News today. Alan Mendenhall joined his church group for their 29th annual retreat at Pine Mountain Georgia, a quiet spot east of Auburn in Opalika Inn, Alabama. He has attended around 10 of these weekends over the years, driving there with his family for rest and connection. That Friday in late February felt like a mix of lingering winter and hints of spring. Before leaving, Mendenhall watched a nine-year-old video of his young kid solemnly singing Old McDonald Had a Farm, hitting him with that familiar, paying of time slipping by. They arrived after dark and he unloaded gear alone while the children jumped into basketball games. Come Saturday morning, he repeated his yearly ritual by forgetting the coffee, so he headed out through the fog to a gas station. Spring picked that exact week into arrive, softening the ground and brightening the skies with a fresh green scent. It felt like nature's reminder that life pushes forward, no matter the season. The kids roamed free across fishing spots,

1:04paddle boats, soccer fields, and playgrounds, with just enough oversight to let them drive. Mendenhall noticed his older children patiently guiding the younger ones, showing how growth builds on the past rather than erasing it. We'd like to thank our sponsor for making this episode possible. When you need a moment alone, just lay back and listen, S-O-L-I, solelypillow.com.