Opinion: Spring is nigh in the Texas Panhandle

My favorite time of the year is now just around the corner, slowly – much too slowly – heading our way. Yes, indeed, I’m referring to spring. Recently, I have made several excursions along the county roads of Donley County; out past where the blacktop ends and the dirt roads begin. You can see the land slowly awakening from its winter slumber.

This winter has been one to remember. It was perhaps the worst winter of my life, and I am aware of several other folks who could make the same claim. I am grateful, however, that I am alive to witness the annual renewal that is spring and doubly pleased to share it with others who have suffered through a cold, dry winter.

Yesterday, I drove over to the ballparks at Clarendon College and watched the Lady Bulldogs absolutely thrash the Lady Broncobusters of Garden City College. The Clarendon College men’s baseball team plays here on Friday and through the weekend. The baseball and softball diamonds used by Clarendon High School are also nicely prepped and ready for another season.

In short, the annual rites of spring are commencing. Shortly, we’ll be able to hear the joyous voices, along with a few angry ones, depending upon the call, of the parents and loved ones of our wee T-ballers, coach-pitch players, and softball players emanating from the ball parks.

Shortly thereafter, we will be able to see a new sport that is just arriving on the scene – youth soccer, better known as football to the rest of the world. Last year was the first year our young people played it and I wish it continuing success. Yes, indeed, spring is here. It is about time!

I noticed during my drives that several of the exotic wildlife mothers are pregnant, and from their looks will be delivering soon. New calves are now on the scene, romping and chasing each other through the rangeland and vigorously head bashing their mother’s udders, looking for a meal.

All we need now is a wet spring, with plenty of rain falling at a moderate rate upon the thirsty land. Even though we experienced a cold winter, it was a dry winter. This drought needs to end – and end now. I can’t think of a better subject for steady, intense prayer, petitioning the Almighty to send us the rain this land is crying out for.

Thanks primarily to the underground aquifers and the scientific methods of our farmers, last year’s harvest was good, for the most part. Even so, we cannot continue to put such a massive drain on our depleted water resources. At some point in time, sooner rather than later, we must receive the rain we need, lest civilization in this area dry up and blow away.

This spring is a blessing. Let us be thankful for it, and thank the Almighty and Mother Nature for the blessings given to us. Life in the Texas Panhandle is as close to living in paradise as is possible. The land is beautiful and fruitful, the people are good, and the air is not as polluted as it is in many areas of Texas and the rest of America.