Did you know that spring officially began on March 19th, 2020 and that there is something very special about this year's spring date? It is the earliest start of spring in over 120 years!
I would love to say the first thing that comes to mind with I think of spring is tulips, sunshine, or blossoming trees,but I can't. The first thing that comes to my mind is - Spring Cleaning! Childhood memories come to me, of taking down and cleaning the curtains and washing the windows, cleaning the carpets and catching the dust bunnies under beds and in the closets. I feel no matter what your faith, or where you live, the season of Spring is one of renewal, restarting, rebuilding. That is why Henrieta and I selected this time to take care of ourselves, our communities and our environment with this series.
Let's review last weeks suggestions:
March 23 invited us to listen to our favorite tunes throughout the day. Music is an amazing mood lifter and it can get you moving a bit too! I learned this week that there was a study done at the University of Missouri where they created a formula to help choose what songs bring us the most joy. The song that came up to be the best -- Don't Stop Me Now performed by Queen. Listen to it today and let me know how you feel afterwards!
March 24 asked us to be kind - to all you meet today. Hopefully we are all practicing our social distancing so we did not "meet" a lot of people. I encourage you to find new and different ways to meet with friends, neighbors, and relatives. Emails, letters, Skype, Zoom, and phone calls are all a way to reach out and show that they are cared for. What a special way to be kind. March 25 invited us to spend some time in God's word today. I would love to hear what you read on this day. I keep coming back to Psalms 118:24 "This is the day that the Lord has made. Let us rejoice and be glad in it."
March 26 suggested that we find some time for a special someone today. I decided to call my oldest son who lives in New York. We talked for a really long time and I enjoyed our time on the phone so much.
March 27 asked us to pray for the world today. And boy, does it need it. I have no idea how to make things better for those around me. I do know that I can pray. Pray for the world, what is happening in it, for the people I care for and also for myself. Praying helps me feel that I am doing something helpful.
March 28 invited us to read a poem. Do you have a favorite poem or author? One of my favorite poets is Shel Silverstein. The poem that I chose to read this week was Phenomenal Woman by Maya Angelou, another favorite author. The current Poet Laureate is Joy Harjo and I have heard her read her poem “Grace”. I truly enjoyed it. Check her out.
Peace and hope.