April Milestones

I love the transitions that April brings, when finally –finally– the plants come alive.  Willow buds and plum blossoms stand out vibrant against the dark rain clouds.  It’s a sign that things are moving forward.  But April is also a time to look back, full of anniversaries such as:

• Birthdays: So many of my friends, family, and acquaintances have their birthdays in April.  Sometimes we celebrate more than one on the same day.
• Centennial of the Battle of Vimy Ridge: On April 9^th, Canadian soldiers successfully stormed the stronghold of Vimy Ridge.  Many also consider that victory a mark of Canada’s coming of age.
• Passover: Passover may be the oldest celebration I know of, and carries significance for Jews and Christians alike.  This year Passover aligns with Holy Week, which brings us to…
• Resurrection Sunday: How great is our death-conquering God!  ‘I will not boast in anything- No gifts, no power, no wisdom.  But I will boast in Jesus Christ, His death and resurrection!’

Many of these highlights evoke sacrifice, but they reinforce that the loss was to make way for the gain- even gain still to come.  That’s the thing about milestones.  They are not just for looking back- they’re for looking back with the now and the future in mind.

April is also the month I launched To be a Shennachie.  It’s only one year, but for me this is a milestone.  I’ve learned to not only create something, but afterwards to set it loose.  It’s still a little intimidating, but it’s also inspiring- to realize that it can be done after all.  I am further inspired whenever someone shows an interest in what I have to share.   Little by little, I am learning to be more intentional with what I create.  I look forward to seeing where this journey leads.