We are now at the beginning of April, and so much has changed. Every change forces some degree of growth as one passes through it. Be it a good thing or a not-so-good thing. I have attended a couple of memorials for some truly wonderful people I have been fortunate enough to share my life with. I have taken from them lessons that will make my life better.

My dad, a very intelligent man, taught me to be a survivor. He was a key factor in my being able to learn from things and move forward. He read constantly and never stopped learning. With age he rededicated his life to God and went back to Bible studies..always learning.

My husband's cousin's husband, Richard Wiedenheft (google the name). Accomplished writer for his faith as well as Minister of the Word. Visiting with him while he was under hospice care was an amazing thing. He was very pale and slight, but his spirit held strong and often soared. He ministered to his visitors while waiting to discover the next thing that God had planned for him. His faith NEVER waivered. A true lesson for us all.

My husband's grandson, Harley, today had surgery for a burst appendix. He struggled with stomach issues during the week, but a trip to the ER showed his appendix had indeed burst. The surgery went well and he is heading home tomorrow as far as we know right now. But the gift of youth and good health, let it not be wasted nor taken for granted. We do have the important job of maintaining our heatlh so we may become all that God wants us to be.

Everyday brings small lessons. Occasionally there are bigger ones to be learned.