Five Tips to Thrive in May!
The Scent of Jasmine
I didn’t even notice how full my calendar was until one weekend it wasn’t! On the first Saturday of May, we had a moment to slow down, so my husband and I rode our bikes throughout town to see the updates and changes that have happened since we lived here almost nine years ago.
Suddenly, I spotted the blooming jasmine all along the fence before I smelled it. And then I remembered, the scent of Jasmine indicates it is the month of May! One of the busiest months of the school year came upon us so quickly!
Graduation Season
To the college graduates, Congratulations!
To the high school graduates, Congratulations!
What a joy it is to celebrate you! We are proud of you and can’t wait to watch you soar into the next chapter of your stories!
Let’s Finish Strong!
This is for those still in school. Many will finish school in May, while others will not complete the school year until June. Regardless, at the end of this season, we want to thrive!
Five Tips to Thrive in May
- Organization is Key
While it’s essential to keep an event calendar all year, this month, keeping a personal and family calendar is vital in ensuring you know where everybody needs to be AND what clothes they need for the occasion! (Don’t forget about the special clothes needed for orchestra concerts, honors ceremonies, and banquets! Just because the clothes and shoes fit for the last one, does not mean they will fit for this one!) It is often said, “Failing to plan is planning to fail!” Give yourself extra time to get to events. A meal calendar is also important. My family always has a few more take-out options this month! Plan, but be flexible because, as we have learned in the past, in a moment everything may change.
“Commit your work to the LORD, and your plans will be established.” Proverbs 16:3 (ESV) - Take Care of Yourself
While this is obvious and essential all year, it’s important to recognize that taking care of yourself is the first to go during a busy season. Students, if your practices are over, take some time to exercise and play! Taking time to run or go for a walk clears your head. Eating well helps you feel good and focus. Sleep is essential for us all!
“Dear friend, I hope all is well with you and that you are as healthy in body as you are strong in spirit.” 3 John 1:2 (NLT) - Focus on What is Essential
While it may be hard for all of us (parents, teachers, staff, coaches, admins, students) to keep our heads in the game right now, we continue to focus on what is essential. Let’s keep our eyes on Christ. He is the source of strength and peace, and ultimately He is the one who holds us all together and all accountable. We work and we play for an audience of One from the beginning to the very end. Keeping our eyes on Christ helps us to not give up by getting distracted. Even when your body and your mind are ready to finish early, choose to finish strong. Finishing strong is vital in this game we call life!
When we put God first, everything else falls into place. We begin to see problems as opportunities and learn to depend on Him for abundant living and our attitude becomes one of gratitude. Instead of wishing for the school year to be over, we praise Him for the opportunities to thank the people who helped get us where we are today and make this school year successful.
“Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men…” Colossians 3:23 (1995NASB) - Extend Grace
God gives us grace so we may extend it to others. Grace upon grace. At this moment in time, we are all in the same place. We are relieved to have made it through another wonderful, in-person school year. If life is feeling heavy for you these days, it’s also feeling heavy for others. We extend grace because everyone appears to be carrying more than usual.
In the New Testament, Paul reminds us, “I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me–the task of testifying to the good news of God’s grace.” Acts 20:24 (NIV) - Celebrate and Savor the Moments
With all this being said, let’s celebrate the end of the school year! We made it! It’s time to savor this moment right where we are. We are not counting the days but making the days count because none of us know what tomorrow will bring, so today, we celebrate!
“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!” Philippians 4:4 (NIV)
We don’t only want to survive the month of May, we want to thrive! Take one day at a time. Stay organized, care for yourself, focus on what is essential, extend grace, and celebrate!
You’ve got this today because He has YOU!
God’s Word is true; God’s Word is enough!
You are so loved!
Many blessings,
Basking in His Light
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