We had a hard time starting up school again this morning after a delightfully long long-weekend. We often find the transition from the freedom of 'doing what we please' to 'doing what we must' very challenging.  We set aside our feelings and draw from a strength that we didn't know we had. We resolve to stride ahead even while we'd love to dawdle for another day or two in the loveliness of respite. 

For the first time ever I experienced church on a Saturday evening. (This is one way our church is practically readjusting to not having use of the large sanctuary since the floor collapsed.) On Sunday we had friends over for a relaxing afternoon of good food and conversation. Then yesterday we were able to go shopping while the girls socialized with friends. In the evening the family watched videos together and I enjoyed a nap. What a luxury in the middle of the day!

As another school year draws to a close, I realize that this is the last time I will have the pleasure of teaching a Grade 4 student. As my younger child completes each grade that his older siblings have already traversed I realize that at one end my job is ending while at the other end new doors are opening up. This coming September I'll be entering Grade 10 for the first time, at least from a teaching perspective.

Today also marks the departure of dear friends as they return to their mission field from a time of furlough. I didn't get to visit with them as much as I would have liked, but they have lots of family here who treasure ever moment they have together. I can't impose on that! But, as they end this much needed  time of rejuvenation, they begin a new leg of their adventure on the other side of the world.  Only God knows what lessons are awaiting to be learned. May God give them grace to face the challenges once again.

As spring finally gives way to summer, I'm not sad to see what has been a wet drizzly season pass by. The unusually damp weather has created a lush, green garden but all my spring flowers failed to bloom as abundantly as they should. I'm looking forward to the beginning of  what I hope will be a more relaxing season - sunny mornings, iced tea, reading on the back porch, the sound of birds singing and planes droning by overhead. I'm quite simply ready for a change.