“Let us hold fast to the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who has promised is faithful.” – Hebrews
This month, as we welcome some long-anticipated warmer weather and sunshine, we have been filled with a sense of gratitude and a feeling of fresh optimism as we look towards all we will be blessed to enjoy over the months ahead.
The season of spring is full of so much hope and life: fresh green grass takes over the brown, trees bud with new growth, flowers bloom in many colours, and the sounds of wildlife fill the air. These symbols of new beginnings resonate especially deeply as we begin to heal our minds and hearts after two years of universal hardship.
In our schools, students and staff are humbled and grateful as they are once more able to gather in large groups, coming together to celebrate masses, pray, and pay witness to their faith as one united school community.
As we walk the halls of our buildings, we are thrilled to be able to see the smiling faces of our friends and colleagues once more as we wish each other good morning, tell each other a joke, or cheer on our teams from the sidelines.
And, of course, we are also thankful that we no longer must keep a distance as we share feelings of hope or optimism with someone who needs it – whether it be through whispered words of encouragement, an enthusiastic pat on the back, or a much-needed hug.
We appreciate all these things and more with a renewed sense of gratitude, and as we make our way through the spring season of growth and hope, we give thanks to God for these and the many other gifts He has blessed us with.
This column was submitted by STAR Catholic Schools. Marilyn Burke (marilyn.burke@starcatholic.ab.ca) is the local Trustee on the STAR Catholic Schools Division Board. STAR Catholic Schools has more than 4,400 students in 12 schools located in Beaumont, Drayton Valley, Leduc, Lacombe, Ponoka and Wetaskiwin.