Spring is in the air

By Tim Culpepper

I am not a golf person. The few times I have played, I have embarrassed myself in both poor play and immense visible frustration. It was not a fun experience for me; although it might have been entertaining to those around me. But I’ve found golf to have some usefulness to me; it’s the best sport to occasionally take a nap while watching. The hushed tones, the beautiful golf courses and the leisurely pace all help to bring on a mid-afternoon eye rest. There are also a few great tournaments for watching golf: the British Open at St. Andrews, the last round of a competitive U.S. Open and of course, the Masters.

I think one of the things that makes the Masters great is what it symbolizes for me. After a long dismal winter, it is absolutely fantastic to see the greenness of the grass, the beautiful flowers and trees. It gives you hope for the future. Spring is a time for renewal, for excitement about the things to come. Despite the clouds of pollen and storm season, spring is close to perfect. And the Masters, as well as its proximity to Easter, both signify this new beginning, renewal and rebirth for me.

We had my family over for Easter this year and I hid eggs for the first time in 20 years. Of course, I hid them too well and had to point out the less obvious ones to the young ones doing the hunting. The whole day was much better than I had expected. Watching the kids run around the yard was another powerful reminder that life goes on and it is time to get outside and do something.

We are meant to be outdoors. There is something about seeing real things as opposed to things on screens that is good for the soul. Getting outside and listening to music is what I enjoy during this time of year. I listen to lots of music, usually old music, and occasionally a song will play that really catches the moment. The other day I was listening to a random playlist and the Sam Cooke song “The Best Things in Life are Free” came on. What a great song. In the song he sings, “The stars belong to everyone, the best things in life are free.” This says it all. Every once in a while, we need to remind ourselves of what is important in life and enjoy what God has given us. That is spring to me.

Despite all the negative talk swirling all around us, there is still hope and trust that things will get better. Get out, enjoy the sunshine and the beautiful weather, work in the yard or go for a walk and you’ll begin to see that we are surrounded by so much good. Although it doesn’t always seem obvious, the best things in life are free. n

Cullman Electric Cooperative is an equal opportunity provider and employer. If you wish to file a Civil Rights program complaint of discrimination, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, found online at https://www. usda.gov/oascr/how-to-file-a-program-discrimination-complaint, or at any USDA office, or call (866) 632-9992 to request the form. You may also write a letter containing all of the information requested in the form. Send your completed complaint form or letter to us by mail at U.S. Department of Agriculture, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, D.C. 20250-9410, by fax (202) 690-7442 or email at program.intake@usda.gov.