A TIME OF CHANGE


I like Spring, don’t get me wrong, but it is not my favorite season of the year. It is too drastic, too unpredictable, too changeable. “April showers bring May flowers” sounds like a fairy tale. Instead of the gentle rains, April is more likely to bring thunderstorms, high winds, tornadoes and floods. Then, throw in a blizzard or two and we have Mother Nature’s idea of a good “April Fool’s” joke.  

During Spring, the earth is waking up from the harsh days of winter. Slowly it tries to shake off the effects of months spent in cold and cloudy days. The heat of the sun awakens the plants and they stretch toward the warmth of the sun. You will see some of the early flowers, like daffodils and tulips, breaking through the crust of the earth. The moisture from the rain helps alleviate the dryness caused by the long days of winter.    

Spring can be compared to our soul’s journey through Lent as we travel a path toward a change of attitude or a change of heart. We journey through the days of Lent toward the Passion and Death of Jesus. We begin waking up from the cold and dark days of time spent away from God. It is a gradual change as we try to shake off the effects of doubt and temptation. We long for the touch of the Son. As we move through Lent, we may experience times and circumstances that challenge our plans for growth in our spiritual life. There will be obstacles: our personal thunderstorms and floods may be temptations that wash away our good intentions; people and situations may pull at us from all sides, like a tornado, scattering our resolve. If we are aware of these obstacles, we can be prepared.

Another change that comes in the Spring is a change in leadership within the LDCCW. Every two years, we welcome a new President and new members of the Executive and Full Board. It is a time to let go of the old ways and to welcome and support the women who have agreed to donate their time and talent so that we may grow in service, leadership and spirituality.

I have been active at the Deanery and Diocesan level since 2008. It is time for me to step back and let others bring their ideas and visions to the Diocesan Council. I have made so many friends and “saints-in-the-making”. It has been a joy. If I learned only one thing these past 14 years, it is that the Holy Spirit will find a way to get me to listen.  

Together, we have faced some pretty uncertain times. Life, as we knew it, was out of our control. Weddings, funerals, holidays, school, work and meetings were cancelled. This past two years, I have tried to communicate often to keep you informed. Through my random thoughts in The Effect, I tried to show God in every day life. I hope I have been able to bring a smile to your face, even if it was hidden behind a mask!

Please welcome Trudy Burenheide as she assumes the role of President of the LDCCW. She will need your support and that of her Board. Keep her in your prayers.  

Trust in Jesus
Kathy Rowell 2020 - 2022