Welcome to Spring

Renewal is Good

The past few months have been a bit trying. First we were hit with the most powerful storm I've ever experienced. A massive ice storm that wrought an amazing amount of destruction. It completely paralyzed the Northwest Arkansas area for almost a week and created a rain of tree limbs that still litter the ground 2 months later. Our family lost power for 6 days but managed to keep our fireplace going so we did not have pipe and water damage. We were fortunate actually as many trees fell on our property yet none hit our house. We've spent many week-ends since cutting through downed limbs and burning the refuse and still have much work to do.

A couple weeks later, a storm hit our workplace as many of our co-workers lost their jobs as have many in this trying economy. Once again, we were blessed as we kept our positions yet there is a sense of shared loss for our friends that were displaced. Our hearts and prayers go out to all that are suffering during this time. The combination of these events has definitely given me pause to reflect on what is important not only to me and my family but also the greater national and world community as well. The parallel of the physical storm and the economic storm ravaging our global economy is not lost on me. Both have left me in a melancholy funk and somewhat dampened spirits (a feeling I realize is shared by many I speak to daily).

With this perspective I welcome the arrival of spring. Redbuds, pears and crabapples are blooming in our yard (including a broken limb that is in full bloom). I spent the week-end again cutting damaged branches but the beauty of the greening landscape made the view much more pleasant. My parents are visiting from Atlanta as well and helped us work through some of the damage as well. This has been a great proxy for the teamwork needed to get back on course to the prosperity we all wish for our families. Pulling together we can help others to find new jobs, rethink our well worn patterns and build a new future.

Today we all shared a day in the mountain hamlet of Eureka Springs and the drive and day were inspiring. Watching my lovely daughter reveling in flowers, sunshine and fresh air brought me hope and inspiration. I hope that you too will take a look around and soak in the Springtime energy and renew the growth of yourself, your family and your community. Quite possibly, you will inspire someone else as well.