Those Water Lilies sure know how to throw a party! The Spring Fling that was held on May 1st at the Fulda Pool was a huge success. About sixty women attended and enjoyed the warm pool, delicious brunch, much laughter, and just a great morning of conversation and fun. All three of the regular leaders of the swimming exercise were on hand to take turns leading the swimnastics for the morning. The hour passed quickly, and the women went on to enjoy the food, win door prizes, and get to know some new friends. The morning fun also honored Stephanie Burnham, a former Water Lily that lost her fight to cancer. In a few moments of quiet, the following poem was read by her friend, Maysa, who had written it for her memorial service. The women in this group are some of the most loving and encouraging friends that I have had the privilege to share life with. It is a joy to be able to exercise and fellowship with them as each week goes by.
Patience
In our hurry-up society we’re always on the run.
It seems there’s always one thing more that’s needing to be done.
We have videos and movies; no time to read a book.
We have microwaves and frozen food; no time to stop and cook.
We drive through fast food restaurants; no time to stop and dine.
We fidget at the market if we have to wait in line.
We’ve no time to write letters; we have phones, e-mail, and fax.
We’re so busy doing everything, we don’t even relax.
But some things can’t be hurried, no matter what we do.
We can’t bring on the springtime ‘till winter’s finally through.
The harvest follows seed time only after summer’s sun,
And winter follows only after autumn’s course is run.
Each sunrise follows sunset only after night has gone,
And evening follows noontime as noontime follows dawn.
For days and nights and seasons are in the Father’s hands,
And God is never subject to impatient man’s demands.
And though God’s timing may not be quite like we think it should,
We know because He loves us, His timing’s for our good.
For when the time had fully come, God sent to us His Son,
And Christ said, “It is finished”, when redemption’s work was done.
Be patient then, my brother, be patient and stand firm.
Be ready for it won’t be long until the Lord’s return.
And when He comes, as He will come, I pray that you will be,
With lantern trimmed and extra oil, awaiting patiently.
And so on this occasion, I pray the Lord would bless
With peace, and love, and joy, and all that brings you happiness.
And just as a reminder of the patience that we need
I thought it seemed appropriate to think of flower seed.
Within each seed, by God’s design, a gift that you can sow,
And patiently await God’s timing as you watch it grow.
And when its beauty you behold sometime later in spring,
Remember there’s a season in God’s plan for everything.
As my first Mother’s Day without my mom came and went, I was thrilled to see several gold finches fluttering around the bird feeders outside our kitchen window. Mom loved spring, birds, and flowers of every kind and color. I’ve thought of her a lot this week as both the plants and birds of all kinds are appearing again after the long winter. As I cleaned out the garage today, I took time to fill some of the bird feeders that she left behind. Each time I see them I will have happy memories of mom. I hope the mothers in your life enjoyed their special day!
lbeerman68@gmail.com
