May 2010
The fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines,
The olive crop fails and the fields produce no food,
There are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, YET,
I will find what it is today that I can celebrate!
I feel like people everywhere are saying good things about the coming of spring. “Oh look the trees are budding and the grass has turned green”. “See how the tulips are coming up and the weather is turning warmer”. There is something about spring that is just lovely and encourages us to see and celebrate newness! I want to receive spring as a time to be reminded to celebrate. In no particular order, this is what I find reason to celebrate today:
I am fully transitioned to Coordinator of Community Care.
There is SO much I have learned during my first full-time year of service with WMF. I truly love the people I work with (in Omaha and internationally).
My sister is marrying a wonderful man and her best friend in one month!
The Chevy Lumina is still driving me. I’ve never had to go hungry. In my closet clothes hang and shoes are on shelves.
I have friends. We have a home that we invite them over to it all the time—for dinner, drinks, games, conversation, etc.
I have a family that loves each other, spends time with one another and will always be a source of support.
The Harry Potter book series is available at the library and is the last thing I read nearly every night.
That homemade bread will always smell so good and taste equally as delicious.
The music played on the oldies radio station puts me in a good mood and usually brings me to my feet dancing (if space and setting allow for it)!
The sun is out. It is going to be a hot summer. I made it through winter.
Perched on my window seal is a mini greenhouse with pellets sprouting tomatoes, cucumbers, carrots and spinach—my first attempt at growing plants from seed!
My spirit is revived each time I meet for my women’s writing circle, the community listening project and for spiritual direction.
There is more, so much more I can write! I am going to content myself in just keeping this small list but to know that each day I can have a list if I remind myself to see the things that are to celebrate.
Please pray for me and WMF staff members and communities. Also, I want to ask that you please consider ways you might be able to financially support me. I currently have a monthly deficit (donations I need to receive each month) in my support account of about $500—I would love to have your help in meeting that shortfall! And, as always, it would be good to hear from you—email or write if you have a chance: PO Box 70, Omaha NE 68101 or hilary.wilken@wordmadeflesh.org.
Thank you for being with me in this season! Peace to you!
Hilary