April is here and gone... on with the show

Where has the year gone so far??? Wow. I truly believe that as we head toward the "last days" and the end of the world as we know it, that time compresses and actually does go by faster.

So, what has been going on here? A lot of travel, some life experiences, and some lessons learned. I went down to Disney World at the beginning of the month to work my obligatory shift at the BoardWalk Resort - to maintain my cast member status and get those lovely free theme park passes for the remainder of the year. It was a great trip. Perfect weather, kinda crowded, but so much fun to fly solo for a couple of days. The following weekend I was part of the music ministry team for a women's retreat, and that was wonderful. God really blessed those ladies - and me - in remarkable ways. Then last weekend I went to Athens, Georgia, to visit my sister for the weekend. We attended an alumni event at my college that was really fun and informative - an interactive forum with Mary Matalin and James Carville. We attended the Atlanta Braves game and had a great time there - WE WON!!! And I visited the Atlanta IKEA store (compound) for the first time. That was truly a mind-blowing experience. The Swedish Meatballs in the cafeteria were so delicious!

This month I said goodbye to one of my dear friends, Susan Craig. She lived such a full life - one of joy, faith, laughter, and generosity beyond measure. I sorely miss her, as all of her family and friends do. But I do not begrudge her the wonderful home-going she had on Sunday April 20. And I know she is enjoying her new body in the presense of our Savior.

Aaron had his last day of preschool, and now is home with me every day. So far it has been a good transition (mostly) but I am really finding it hard to get things done with him here. He is a good helper, but he still needs so much attention (supervision). And I am trying to get a little school lesson in every now and then. This week we had 2 days of school. But he writes, draws, and reads books every day. I am so proud of him - he can write his own name!!! He's truly a blessing in our lives.

One lesson I have learned this month - value the time you have with the people around you. You cannot get it back once it's gone. If you make plans with someone to do something fun and worthwhile, do it! Don't let little things stop you. You have only a finite amount of time to spend with others, influencing and blessing their lives, and receiving blessings of your own. Make those memories, and take pictures! Send notes of encouragement or support to those who need it most. And look for ways to bless people you don't even know, or don't know as well as you would like. God hand picks the people He sends our way every day, and He is wanting to use our hands and words to help those people. Christ is counting on us! As one very wise woman told me this month, we should strive to "listen, listen listen, and love, love, love!" Go do it today!