From the UMC of N.Chili Newsletter
“April- The Month of Promise”
“Oh to be in England, now that April is here . . .”
Wouldn’t it be indeed lovely to stroll among the spring gardens of England, to take tea in a small tea shop – nothing grand perhaps, just two or three tables in the lounge of the proprietors home – to enjoy real cream and jam with scones? Perhaps we could have a “plowmen lunch” at the local pub. I remember enjoying lunch before a “walk-in” fireplace at a pub in Devon, circa 1511!
Memories are a wonderful way to enjoy life’s pleasant experiences over and over again As I think and remember and sip tea on my own turf, some of my fondest memories are of Aprils past. There were exciting times in April in my childhood home. Closets, drawers, cupboards were sorted, cleaned, and windows were washed squeaky clean with vinegar! One April while cleaning the closet by the fireplace, we found a family of little pink baby mice. It seemed to me that quite a fuss was made over the tiny mice that fit in one of my Dad’s hands.
Daddy was busy plowing, planting and watching the signs. Each fog in February was recorded, as it meant a frost the same day in May. No corn planted until the whippoorwills called. Plants were started from “saved” seeds in early March. By April, they were sorted out and the “runty” ones tossed out. Only the strongest were tended and watered and daily cared for until planting time. This may seem harsh but these fragile new seedlings held the promise of our next years food supply. The garden was plowed and raked and fertilized and made ready to receive them. The Farmer’s Almanac was consulted. Nothing was left to chance.
God’s hand was invited to help care from above and provide all we could not. How confusing it must have been! “God, it’s so wet and cold. Could you send us sunshine to warm and dry things a bit?” Then – “God it’s so dry!! Could you send a shower so things can grow?” (My mother always prayed for sunshine. There were still feather ticks to be aired!) In my innocence I did what I was told, dividing my time between chores and play. They seem far away memories until April arrives again.
I, too, pray for rain and sunshine, for farmers everywhere and for myself. Even now I wait God’s hand in sunshine till I can rake and prepare my garden to receive seeds and seedlings. I look forward to the pruning and thinning, dividing and sharing of perennials. I feel the loving care in God’s touch as the first seed shoots through the soil, the joy with the first blossoms.
And the first al fresco tea! (So what if I need a jacket and heavy socks?) The lovely fresh air and sunshine and April memories and bird song make the tea truly “nectar for the human spirit.” I’m not in England but on my own back porch. God planted me here and here I try to bloom. It’s April, the memories and fulfilled promises of other Aprils make my heart warm and my energy flow. Dear Lord, give us your rain and your sunshine as you see our needs. And please Lord, may we continue to receive and share your love and grace and have Aprils to make memories.
In your wisdom I trust,
Rose