Bring May Flowers
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Photography by Madi Flournoy Henderson
We have all heard the saying time and time again: “April showers bring May flowers…and an excuse to wear white pants and bright colored tops.” Ok, ok. So, maybe it doesn’t exactly go like that. However, I do feel like whenever May arrives I can officially pull out the white pants without anyone looking at me sideways. Yes, I realize that I am stuck in my Southern ways with this fashion rule. Maybe one day I will embrace the fact that you can wear white all year long. No judgment from me if you already do.
The month of May also means that summer is approaching. And for this teacher, that means that I am only days away from sitting by the pool, reading lots of books, and NOT having to set an alarm. This is a good situation.
But, the month of May also means having to say goodbye to 23 students who have become like family over the last year. This is a bittersweet situation. It’s funny, the school year brings a range of emotions for me. I go from February, when we are cooped up inside, driving each other crazy, cold, sick and counting down the days until spring break, to May, when I’m cherishing each day, shedding tears, and wanting to hug each amazing kid a little closer.
While saying goodbye to my students is tough, I realize that some of you are dealing with much more difficult situations right now. I mean, I knew back in August that nine months later I would be saying farewell to yet another class. It was expected. Many of the difficult situations, however, are not expected. And if I dove into all the different types of situations that we encounter on a day-to-day basis—from happy to sad and every stage in between—you would be reading this blog post for days. Nobody wants to do that, so I am keeping it simple.
The point of this post is to help you realize the good in your situation. No matter what it is. There are tiny little miracles happening all around you. Miracles that are sometimes too hard to see because the challenging parts can seem so overpowering. I am 100% guilty of letting the tough times completely get me down – I am human after all.
The amazing thing is that when we allow God to walk with us, we tend to find more of the good than the bad. Or, we look at the bad and can somehow find the good. Instead of dwelling on the hard times, we are able to trust and accept that God is going to show us the good. It doesn’t always happen right away; but, when it does, it is the most uplifting and peaceful feeling to experience.
“For the mountains may depart and the hills be removed, but my steadfast love shall not depart from you, and my covenant of peace shall not be removed, says the Lord who has compassion on you.” – Isaiah 54:10
So, no matter what situations you face throughout your day today, I pray that you will let God walk with you through each one. Look at how God is working to shape and mold you into the person he wants you to become every step of the way. He’s got this. And so do you.
“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to give you a future and hope” – Jeremiah 29:11
