April showers bring May flowers. Most people are familiar with this saying. The month of May is filled with the sounds of birds, the smell of fresh flowers and summer breezes from time to time. The month marks the beginning of the end of spring and the preparations for summer. School age children are anticipating graduations, summer vacation, and parents are planning for family getaways after being inside during the
cold winter months.

May also marks the fifth month of the year. It is the time when life, activities, and nature begin to flourish and multiply. This is also significant from a biblical perspective. The number five means grace, favor, or blessing. It also can mean increase, balance and divine appointment. I do not have enough space
to delve fully into all the meanings. However, in Genesis 1: 20-22 on day five of creation, after God finished speaking forth the great creatures of the seas and every winged fowl, He says, “Be fruitful and multiply.”

The first mention of the number five in the Bible deals with fruitfulness and increase. And because it is the first mention of the number, one could conclude it suggests that the number five will carry some relevance to grace, favor, fruitfulness and increase throughout the rest of the Bible. If this piques your
interest, please seek me out. I would enjoy exploring this more with you.

I say that as a reminder that even the most unpleasant of things and times, in this case the heavy rains of April, can bring about very enjoyable results. “April showers bring May flowers” is also a lesson in patience, and one that remains valid to this day.

Have you had a season of setbacks, disappointments or hindrances? Do not be dismayed. Remember these things: there has never been a wind that did not change directions on clouds that hang around forever, and April showers bring May flowers. Beyond the deluge is the joy of meaning, purpose, and favor-filled results.

By Steve Dickie, CEO

At Trinity Woods we celebrate the neighborly way people are welcomed into the community. We also acknowledge the importance of each person having a sense of belonging. In fact, our tagline was selected to support an aspirational goal for community members and employees, “Belong. Believe. Become.”

In recent visits with serval community members of Trinity Woods I have gained some fascinating insights. When I asked, “What goals were you seeking to accomplish when you chose to move here?” one person responded by saying, “I didn’t know anyone when I moved here. I never imagined I could make such great friends after the age of 80.” Others told me, “I wanted to plan ahead. I wanted to make my own decisions about my future,” and another said, “I moved for my children. I did not want them to have to worry about me.”

I am so impressed by the depth of the interpersonal relationships that have taken root at Trinity Woods. One person described it this way: “When I fi rst moved here, I found new acquaintances. The acquaintances became friends. Those friends I now consider family.”

The rich sense of fellowship is evident. It manifests itself in diverse ways and in a variety of places — in
fitness classes at the Spann Wellness Center, around the pool table or at ping pong in the Community Life Center and around the dining tables in the Charter Oak and Cypress Grille restaurants. I am captivated by the vision of a community where the love and care of others defines our essence.

This “good neighbor” archetype is rooted in the “great commandment.” A teacher of the law once asked Jesus, “Of all the commandments, which is the most important?” Jesus answered by saying, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind and strength,’ and ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ (Mark 12:28-34) Thank you for the way you “love one another” so deeply and so well.