Thoughts From Dianna

Early Spring! Birds singing and little green shoots sticking up! Is it going to last? We moved here 25 years ago and were warned that there's always bad weather during basketball sectionals so just don't get your hopes up about the nice weather we're having. It seems that often been the case. But each year as the days get longer, I am so hopeful that spring has really sprung! Often described as a Pollyanna, I'm typically an optimistic person. Usually that's a good characteristic but it can occasionally set me up for disappointments. Like a snowstorm during the basketball tournament. Being realistic, I also recognize this post-pandemic era has so many discouraged, depressed, anxious, stressed, and even angry. Working at a funeral home I am blessed with the opportunity to talk to many people. When we take the time to listen, really listen, we can connect, encourage and comfort each other. During this Lenten season a simple way to draw closer to Jesus is to listen to and encourage others. Offering smiles and giving each other the opportunity to express worries in a caring space of friendship seems like the path through difficult personal and societal times. The Lord offers us extraordinary love and peace, lets share it with each other – seems that may be the best gift we can give – and receive.

Wishing you the joy of spring sunshine, “daffy-dills” and the comfort of hope- and hugs- from loving people around you!