It’s suppose to be 55 degrees this week…a preview of things to come.  Don’t be fooled, we still have plenty of snow coming our way before the tulips pop their heads out of the ground.  But this time of year gives me a burst of energy just knowing what’s ahead.  Living in southern California for a number of years, I wasn’t able to see the weather cycles of the midwest.  Those cycles are great reminders of change…changes not just in our temperatures, but also changes in our lives.  Changes in our children, changes in our businesses and changes in ourselves.  Change is inevitably.  Most of us find stability in routines.  But routines can very easily turn into ruts.  Being aware of changes in our culture and in our environment prepare us to embrace new challenges and new opportunities.  As a baby boomer, I have learned from the “gen xer’s” to either get on board or be left in the dust.  I’m too young to be a relic…too much energy to be a by-stander…too many dreams left to fulfill.  So, once again, I’m changing directions.  I give credit to my kids, who are still in the “Spring” of their lives.  As I have tried to guide and teach them, I have, however, discovered the value of being a “student” of my children as well.  Oh my, they’ve taught me a lot.  Even though they butcher the English language with their texting acronyms, I am confident that when it’s their “season”, they will be prepared to take on the challenges that face us. 

Making contributions in our homes, our communities, our churches and in our work places will inevitably provide many new opportunities for growth, both personally and professionally.  It’s the time of year to get out of hibernation and…live!