May Thoughts

It’s that time of year again.  Another school year draws to a close and the deadlines, responsibilities, and commitments loom large. It’s a time where if don’t write something in my calendar, it can be easily forgotten.

It is also a time of celebration. Living in a boarding community where the students become like extended family, I find myself anticipating the end-of-the-year activities that will mark our remaining time together—Prom, Baccalaureate, Class Night, and Commencement. This is a time where demanding schedules and joyful celebrations intersect.

Last week was an opportunity for me to “practice what I preach.” Each day contained a specific deadline. I started the week with a slight sense of dread. How would I accomplish each day’s tasks?

“Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,” says the Lord. (Zechariah 3:6)

So easy to type those words, but so much harder to live by them. Yet, each day was a fresh opportunity for me to pause and to call on God’s help for the coming day’s responsibilities. I didn’t always do it perfectly. I fretted some. I worried some. However, I remained mindful of this truth—“seek first his kingdom and his righteousness….and do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself.” (Matthew 6:33-34)

Spring has finally arrived on Long Island.  After the long winter, a new season has dawned. The tulips I planted last November have bloomed and now are beginning to fade. The Lily-of-the-Valley have sprouted and are just about the bloom. The Hostas and Daylilies are fully up and soon will sprout their flowers. Glorious spring!  Cracking the bedroom window at night, I wake to hear the joyful chorus of birds outside my window. My spirit can’t help but be lifted by the signs of new life all around me. Last Sunday, while on a bike ride, I delighted in the signs of spring all around me. How easy it was to thank God for the beauty of Long Island and the chance to live in this place!

Tomorrow is Mother’s Day. The weather promises to be lovely and I look forward to spending the day with my family. My own mom is in California. She will be celebrating with her mother. Believe it or not, Grandma is still with us.  In fact, she seems to be improving! We laugh and marvel at the human spirit. God knows when her time on this earth will end. Until then, we are grateful for her presence with us in this life. It is easy for me to bless my mom on this day. So much of the person I am today is the result of her influence on my life. As my own daughter grows into womanhood, I am grateful for the relationship we share and look forward to many mother-daughter moments in the years to come.

May God’s love and care fill you and sustain you this day.