Breakup. A term used for the ending of a romantic relationship. The old song says it so well, “breaking up is hard to do.” Sometimes, the breakup is quick, like taking a surgeon’s scalpel to our heart. Other times, the breakup drags on and on, on-again, off-again. Our heart looks forward to moving on to the next relationship season. Well, that’s what happens in Alaska when breakup, that extra season that sneaks in between winter and spring, appears. The season when the packed, pristine snow begins to melt and resembles a spilled root beer float meandering down the street. Winter ice breaks up, and our thoughts turn to spring.

Yes, breakup in Alaska is not for the faint of heart. If it’s a quick breakup, the streets flood with brown, muddy water, and our cars are all the same dirty brown color for a couple of weeks. We exchange our winter boots for Xtratuf boots as we wade through the runoff puddling in the streets.

But the on-and-off-again breakup discourages our winter-weary souls. Sometimes we experience a first breakup, a second breakup, and even a third breakup. It’s true, breaking up is hard to do! The excitement of approaching spring is dampened when winter rears its icy head once again, refusing to give up the fight. I’m praying fresh snow is not on the agenda for Mother’s Day this year!

Breakup is the ugliest season in Alaska. The pristine-white snow begins to thaw, and winter reluctantly yields the frozen secrets hidden in her depths.

Usually, it’s not an actual dog that is revealed, but the dog’s daily deposits. As the scent of thawing dog poop hits your nose, you realize approximately 65,000 dogs live in the Anchorage area. I never realized people pay to have their defrosted dog residue removed from their yards. A catchy jingle from a radio ad plays over and over in my head this time of year.

🎵If your frozen puppy poops are starting to thaw 557-POOP is the number to call.🎵

I can’t remember my own phone number, but that one plays in a repeating cycle in my brain during breakup. (The phone number is changed to protect the innocent!)

Yet, even though breakup is visually unappealing, Alaskans enjoy the longer hours of daylight and the glorious blue skies. We start digging out our flower boxes and planning our gardens. Our focus changes as we make a break with winter and look forward to renewing our relationship with spring.

Today as I drove along the Seward Highway, my eyes focused on the thick mud and trash-filled snow berms along the side of the road. My spirit reflected the ugliness of the ground. But then I turned the corner and lifted my eyes to the mountains. My heart soared as I gazed at those towering snow-capped mountains glistening white against a sparkling blue sky. The glory of God’s creation renewed my spirit.

Had I changed my circumstances? No, there was still mud on the ground. But I changed my focus – I chose to look up and see the beauty around me.

In our crazy world, it’s easy to focus on the mud and ugliness surrounding us. Instead, let’s choose to look up and focus on God, the one who controls the seasons. The One who brings spring and renewal to our souls.