Spring, change and hope in the air

 

Happy Spring 2021! 

I remember the emotions and uncertainty that we all experienced during this season last year (and all throughout 2020). One year ago, we were newly in quarantine and the work-from-home routine was still getting established. I took daily walks and took pictures of the trees and flowers as they started blooming and it was a highlight of the season.

One year later, I am back to working in the office most days, but am thankful to still have the flexibility to work from home as needed. Life is slowly returning to the pre-pandemic "normal" but like anything, you can't ever really go back to the way it was.

 

 

The trees are blooming and the flowers are starting to pop up out of their beds. My favorite tulip showing at Cheekwood is about to hit its peak, and I am here for it! The temperatures are warming up and the sky is that beautiful clear blue that we have in Tennessee before the awful humidity comes to stay for a while.The threat of severe storms has returned as usual, too, but I don't really want to talk about that.

On Saturday morning, I left my house as the sun was coming up to head to Nissan stadium for my appointment to receive a COVID-19 vaccine. I was one of the 10,000 people who had signed up and I recruited my sister to go with me, as moral support.

When I turned on the music in my car, my phone randomly streamed the song, "His Mercy is More" and got me into a praise/thanksgiving mindset as I drove along Nolensville Road. I saw other people driving to run early errands or to go open up a business, and I realized that one year ago, most of those people were like me, staying at home, and many of those businesses were closed. I thanked God for the opportunity to get the vaccine and for keeping me healthy throughout the first year of COVID-19. 

As Jeanette and I drove to the stadium and got in the line of cars, we remembered another early morning adventure of getting up to go purchase the fabric for my wedding dress at an early-bird sale at the fabric store. Most experiences that I have in life are infinitely more fun when Jeanette is involved, and going to get a vaccine was definitely improved by having her along! She helped me to not get anxious when the traffic pattern was wonky at first. She was ready and willing to take my picture while the nurse administered the vaccine. She sang the Doxology with me. She laughed with me at the salty comment of the volunteer who checked on me in the waiting area when I told her that I was allergic to rubbing alcohol.

After I was released to leave the parking area, we drove to Kroger and picked out some random "treats" to have for breakfast with Russell and the girls. We found some apple danishes and bacon and biscuits and brought it to their house to prepare. Russell met us at the door with a tray with mugs of fresh, hot coffee, and the girls roused from their room with sleepy faces ready to start the day. We made plans to do "normal" things like go to the Goodwill outlet and spend time outdoors.

Last year, I never completely lost hope, because my hope is ultimately in Christ, who is the same yesterday, today, and forever (Hebrews 13:8). This year, my hope is still in Christ, more than in a vaccine or in any other earthly person or thing. And I'm thankful that the cycle of seasons has come back around and we can once again celebrate the new life and growth that is bursting out all around! 

Praise the Lord, his mercy is more!