We are just finishing up March, the first month of my spring season. In case you missed it, my word for the year is refine. I hope this post inspires you to pursue refining in your body, mind, spirit, and soul.
Body
We had some warm days in March, so most of my movement was walking. I walked outdoors as much as possible. I logged just over 10 miles for the month. Nutrition was hit and miss depending on how full each week was. I try to sit down to a beautiful and intentional lunch. As you can see from the photos, some days are better than others. (Even the roses look less vibrant when I eat pizza for lunch!) And some days are take-out. But progress is better than perfection.
Mind
Learning took priority this month since I was trying to work ahead in some of my college classes. I had a few projects due, plus classroom observations for my education classes. My daughter and I have been doing study sessions together at a coffee shop every other week or so. It makes the time go faster when you have a buddy and a latte. 🙂
I didn’t have many work projects this month, but I was excited to see one of our author’s books released. It is so fun to get a sneak preview of these books as part of the editorial team. If you know a child who would enjoy learning about American landmarks through the eyes of a mischievous marmot, check out Kelly’s book:
This was my favorite non-fiction book this month. Phylicia does a beautiful job showing the meaning behind the most mundane of household tasks. If you think washing dishes, mowing the yard, and cooking meals are irrelevant to God’s mission for your life, you need to read this book.
Only those whose eyes can see beauty in the most average, mundane places will find fulfillment in the regular days of home.
This was my classic for the month. It is a reread since I have read all of Sherlock Holmes multiple times. However, I got a brand new Cranford Collection copy. I just had to read it again out of such a beautiful book. (This is not the cover. My copy isn’t available as a digital photo that I could find.)
Soul
I continue to read through the Bible using the Following Jesus plan here. This month, we had a traveling revival in our area, visiting 4 different churches. Several churches in our area also went together to hear the Allegheny Wesleyan College Choir and Orchestra. All the special services were worshipful and helped me grow closer to God. It always makes me happy to see my children growing their skills for the Lord. Our pastor asked Joey to lead the songs for Sunday School and Jerrod to play the organ. They are learning a lot.
Spirit
Our oldest son was home for spring break this month, so we took time out for a little fun. We went mini-golfing, and he and his girlfriend took an afternoon to make some chocolate-covered pretzels as a project. The rest of the time, we hung out, played music, and ate food. 🙂 Jeff and I also finally got around to going on our Valentine’s Day date, which was a day of shopping, lunch, and coffee. We took a picture in front of the coffee roaster instead of with our cups of coffee this time. 🙂
I had several creative projects going on this month, but I’ll just share one. For our collaboration in our writers’ group, I shared this personification of the month of March.
In March, Spring is a tiny child learning to walk.
She tiptoes with hesitation, stumbling over the strewn-about toys Winter left behind.
She grasps the steady furniture of bygone seasons, stretches up to hold fingers of future hopes.
Some days Spring falls on her face, oblivious to her own existence. When she comes to herself, she takes her time getting back up, kicking and screaming in frustrated anger.
Other days, she reels forward, leaving us to wonder if she is Summer only pretending to be Spring.
There are days when we forget she’s still learning to walk. We expect her to continue toddling about like yesterday and the days before. When she sits defiantly in the corner, thumb in mouth, we breathe frustrated sighs.
Learning to walk is not a linear pursuit. Yet, those surrounding the learner expect military formation. Instead, Spring gives us a gallop one day, a trot the next, then spends a week passively inching about on hands and knees.
We know April and May are ahead, when Spring will no longer fuss to be picked up on our busiest days. Beyond that, we see days on the beach, nights by the fire, and Christmas. But today, we grow impatient, as if tomorrow will never arrive. Then, it does. And Spring is no longer tentatively stepping but rounding mile 26 at full speed.
We fan away Summer’s heat and brace ourselves against the chill of Winter. All the while, we wish for Spring’s return. But when again she grasps for our fingers, we are always just out of reach, urging her on. When will we remember that the legs that hold up under the long treks of Summer are strengthening little by little with each new step and learning shining resilience with every skinned knee?
In March, Spring is a tiny child learning to walk. And I am the doting parent, sitting cross-legged on the floor in front of her, watching to see what she’ll do next.
Inspiration for March
While Easter is in April this year, most Christians have a period of reflection in the 40 days before Easter, when we remember Jesus’ sacrifice for us and look forward to the celebration of His resurrection. This is a beautiful song of Christians around the world looking forward to that day: