Share Four Somethings: April 2021

Sometimes these once-a-month posts seem to come around quickly (sometimes not so much), but, today, it really does seem as if I just wrote last month’s thoughts for Share Four Somethings, but here it is time for April’s edition.  Maybe it is having five Fridays in this month and, well, there is still yet another week to go for April.  I’m just feeling a bit confused.  It feels like a month’s end….but we haven’t even celebrated my birthday yet!!:)  Last month I was oohing and ahhing over spring’s arrival.  Everything was beautifully spring.  Today, as I type, the heater is running and the (pollen coated) cars outside have a layer of frost on them.  Sweater weather!!  Clearly, I’m not the only one confused over what time of year it is!!  Please bring back spring!!

Let’s move right along with Share Four Somethings for April……

Something Loved.   This month started off with Easter.  We had a sunrise service.  I have only been to a sunrise service once before – decades ago – and was not sure what to expect….or how many to expect.  We had a really good turnout and even some visitors.  Afterward, there was breakfast – complete with Belgian waffles and homemade whipped creme:)  The junior church kiddos did a wonderful job with their small program that morning as well.  We have continued to have more and more “normal” activities at church.  We had a ladies’ meeting (also well attended) and had a guest speaker join us via zoom from California.  Ah, the great mix of the old and new!!  We also had a joint baby shower last weekend for two expecting mamas – which is quite exciting for our small church – and have had two new missionaries visit.  Of course, there are still struggles and obstacles but there has been to enjoy and I am loving it!

Something Read. Do you enjoy reading eulogies?  I do not enjoy listening to them (listening to any type of “open mic” speeches, etc is completely unsettling for me) but I am often interested to read what others say as they reflect on their loved ones.  No idea why…maybe it just starts my wheels turning.  What impact will I leave?  What will they say about me one day?  Who knows.  Nevertheless, did you read – or hear – some of the words shared about Prince Philip’s funeral?  I thought they were heart-warming.  These are just a few snippets.  (completely edited by me!)

Prince Charles, The Prince of Wales:  I particularly wanted to say that my father, for I suppose the last 70 years, has given the most remarkable, devoted service to The Queen, to my family and to the country, but also to the whole of the Commonwealth…..My dear Papa was a very special person who I think above all else would have been amazed by the reaction and the touching things that have been said about him and from that point of view we are, my family, deeply grateful for all that. It will sustain us in this particular loss and at this particularly sad time. Thank you.

Princess Anne, Princess Royal:  You know it’s going to happen but you are never really ready. My father has been my teacher, my supporter, and my critic, but mostly it is his example of a life well-lived and service freely given that I most wanted to emulate….I would like to emphasise how much the family appreciate the messages and memories of so many people whose lives he also touched. We will miss him but he leaves a legacy which can inspire us all.

Prince William, The Duke of Cambridge: My grandfather’s century of life was defined by service – to his country and Commonwealth, to his wife and Queen, and to our family…..I  will never take for granted the special memories my children will always have of their great-grandpa coming to collect them in his carriage and seeing for themselves his infectious sense of adventure as well as his mischievous sense of humour!  My grandfather was an extraordinary man and part of an extraordinary generation. Catherine and I will continue to do what he would have wanted and will support The Queen in the years ahead. I will miss my Grandpa, but I know he would want us to get on with the job.

Prince Harry, The Duke of Sussex:  “My grandfather was a man of service, honour and great humour….He will be remembered as the longest-reigning consort to the Monarch, a decorated serviceman, a Prince and a Duke. But to me, like many of you who have lost a loved one or grandparent over the pain of this past year, he was my grandpa: master of the barbecue, legend of banter, and cheeky right ‘til the end……Grandpa, thank you for your service, your dedication to Granny, and for always being yourself. “

Something Treasured. Without a doubt….answered prayer.  God is always good.  Always hears our prayers and delights to answers our prayers.  Of course, not all prayers are answered the way we hope or how we think best.  We can be thankful for that.  And, sometimes, prayers are not answered according to our timing.  Delayed answers can feel forgotten or unheard.  However, God is always listening.  And always working on our behalf.  I was reminded of that this month – just this week.  We had a huge answer to prayer.  We have been praying since October and, yes, the enemy has been taunting me with doubt and worry, I’m ashamed to admit.  But God heard and He knew and this week He did “abundantly more than I could ask or think”.   I am humbled, awed and so very grateful!!

Do you have a heavy burden?  An oft-repeated prayer?  One that feels forgotten.  Persevere.  Be reminded that God is still listening.

Something Ahead.  We have a (very short) getaway planned.  I would say weekend away but retirement life now lets us get away whenever we want – even on a random Tuesday!  Ha.  But we are actually packing a bag and getting a hotel.  A few things I was not sure would ever happen again!  I don’t always enjoy celebrating my own birthday – but I will enjoy this one!!  One step closer to a “real” vacation!!