Commit your activities to the LORD, and your plans will be achieved.

Proverbs 16:3 (HCSB)

As much as I enjoy that feeling of satisfaction at the end of the school year, I am ready for a break. The blood, sweat, and tears necessary because of COVID tested us all in ways we had never experienced before. Masks have become both a fashion item and a nuisance, as I find discarded paper masks on the ground when I walk Rusty. However, more and more, masks are no longer required in places that I frequent.

Today is the last day of school for some of my grandgirlies and a big graduation is upcoming for my oldest one — college graduation! These girls have all persevered through the rigors and frustrations required to be able to complete this school year. My daughter is a fourth grade teacher and she sent me a video/open house that her class had prepared for their parents. My hat is off to all teachers for their creativity, endurance, and dedication to pull it off. Whether it was been done online, in-person, or a combination of the two, the preparation to meet the needs of each child has been a tremendous challenge.

It is time for a break. A time to rest, enjoy family, and do some fun activities before even thinking about next year.

As I look back over the year, I find that we all discovered new ways to do old things. And some of the new ways are much better. Adversity demands creativity, And we have survived.

I’m thankful to God for His hand of protection on my family this year but I grieve for those who have lost loved ones. We never know what a day will bring. My prayer is that we will have learned to trust Him even more, to love our people better, to enjoy the beauty of nature all around us, and to rejoice for the daily blessings He gives us.