Springtime

Warmth. Sunshine. An open Dairy Queen. Can you just feel the joy?

The grass is turning green. The rakes are coming out. Piles of brush and debris are evidence of work in the yard. It is springtime. Yes, you still hear the die-hard, pessimist saying, “Winter is not over yet. Just you wait. We’re gonna get at least one more good pounding of snow.” These are the folks that really need a good blizzard.

So what are your plans for being outside? What do you hope to do and accomplish with the nice weather upon us? I’m sure you have some. Your list is getting longer. Your desire to play outside is increasing.

All of this is good and right. It is important for us to be outside. We all need Vitamin D. Not much is received in your typical Michigan winter. We all want to accomplish certain projects with the coming spring. And so you should.

Can you hear in my tone the BUT coming? Here it is, BUT. . . other opportunities also exist with the changing of the season that aren’t always very high on our priority list if they are on the list at all. These opportunities are all about people and not so much about projects.

The spring and summer bring people outside. It brings our neighbors outside. It gets us onto our porches and decks and into our yards. I want to encourage you to take advantage of these opportunities to . . .

- lean on your rake and talk with your neighbor.
- grill more food than you can eat and invite someone over to join you.
- initiate a neighborhood block party which helps you meet all your neighbors.
- make a list of the names of people who live around you and pray for them.
- go for a walk and intentionally meet the people who live around you. Invite them to walk with you.
- take some folks out on your boat (if you have one).
- start a walking group, gardening group, biking group, reading group, beach-goer group, grilling group, DQ support group, etc.
- help your neighbor with their yard work.
- have a free car wash in your neighborhood. Get kids involved. Hand out flyers the day before or day of. Offer cookies and lemonade while they wait.

. . . care for and love the people around you. There is no better way to invest your time.

The projects have no lasting value. People do.