Make Hay When the Sun Shines

April this year has been a different one!

The sun that picks up its scorching heat seems to be ending up on the losing side – thanks to several cycles of western disturbances affecting large parts of North West India. Thunder squalls, cool winds and sharp showers seem to be an oddity at this time; nevertheless welcome for denizens who are otherwise preparing to brace the usually hot summer days. The seasonal regimen of starting the ACs and desert coolers and pressed into active service has taken a backseat and nobody seems to mind the pleasant turn of events – thanks due to the weather gods! A walk in the park or at the terrace – after the showers – is an invigorating one and you would wish that this lasts forever. It’s God’s AC in full ‘swing’ creating a very salubrious feel. After all, who wants to sweat it out unnecessarily before it becomes unavoidable?

While this makes it an April to remember, I wonder what is going through the mind of the diligent farmer. Poor chap who has slogged and sweated in the early months of winter to sow his crop and tended for a healthy produce looks up to expect clear skies and the early summer sun to give the crop its final touches before the harvest. Alas, that’s not to be and frequent showers, I am sure,  are being cursed with a prayer for an immediate let up. Such is the irony – what is a boon for some is a bane for the toiling farmer! Who is making hay when the sun decides to play hide and seek at its own sweet will?

Talking about rains, how can we miss talking about monsoons in India? Already predictions and speculations are rife with contrasting theories being proffered for its success and its extent of coverage. Regardless of the final outcome, the monsoon rain brings in its wake a bagful of emotions. Relief and happiness as the first drops hit the terra firma after relentless heat that washes away weeks of dust and grime. The frayed tempers seem to soothe and smiles run galore. There is immense satisfaction that rivers, ponds and lakes would now swell up and contribute to the verdant hues of the flora. Varieties of fauna too, seem to enjoy the prospect of abundant free showers.

A few souls, however, detest the prospect of dealing with accompanying humidity and thundershowers that play spoilsport and create havoc more often than not. Poor drainage, water logging and outbreak of diseases become evil necessities. Often incessant rains cause flash floods with large scale devastation with serious economic hardships. One is often left perplexed with this multitude of emotions; all unfolding at frenetic pace in different parts of the country. So when does one make hay when the sun is perpetually behind the thick and dark cover of pregnant clouds? Did you venture out in the season’s first rain and relished a hot cuppa with snacks prepared at the roadside kiosk or were your thoughts centered on protecting your branded apparel and expensive shoes?

The third season – winters – brings its own share of smiles and frowns. Soft rays of the sun, a virtual absence of heat and humidity coupled with fresh (and a variety too) farm produce of green vegetables add to the delight. Hot soups and rounds of tea and coffee become the norm. Mouth watering winter delicacies are cooked and savored with a distinct languid feel. While one samples these goodies, gradually the mercury dips and severity of winters gathers pace. The chill is felt in the bones….zzzzzz! Often, dense fog and near frost conditions test the tenacity of some hassled souls. Ask a frequent traveler whose flight gets delayed, the old and frail who long for and laze in the sun and the poor who believe it’s a divine curse that needs to be negotiated with pain and suffering. The sun rises lazily late in the day and often beats a hasty retreat in the late afternoon hours – leaving many a folk with a predicament when to make hay as it has hardly shone through the day!

Whether it is the fickle weather or changing seasons, festivals or gatherings, work or play, there is no better time to make hay when your ‘own sun’ shines – whenever that may be. Live life fully each day without regret or remorse. Capitalize on the pleasant sunny times that make you and your loved ones smile.

Spencer Johnson, very rightly, sums up and says,

“Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, enjoy today to the fullest – that’s why it is called a Present”.

- Rajneesh