From The Director, Kathy Irvin:
May 2007
I love living in Chicago, especially as April rolls into May. People that live in locations without seasonal change don't really know the deep down gratitude we have for this time of year. These weather related changes also point out the changes in our lives and the march of time. We can all relate to the child that thrives on routine. Change can be hard. Endings are … well endings. As May rushes towards summer with calendars overflowing with commitments, all good but collectively a bit much, we here at A Joyful Noise greet the ending of another year with mixed feelings. We are delighted with the growth we have been fortunate to witness, and we mourn the ending of our joy-filled daily routines. We love your children and our school/faith community. We know that we are part of something very special. Thank you for trusting us with your most precious gifts. So how do we move forward with enthusiasm into new schedules, new friendships, new summer programs and new schools without anxiety stressing our spirits? How do we make time to fill our lungs with the air we have been waiting for all winter?
"The only way we can live relatively free of anxiety
toward the future is to translate large hopes
into small steps, with day-size efforts."
Gilbert W. Bowen
For me, I look for clues in the lives of those who travel before us. My head swims with words from many wise souls but especially from my father. Phrases like, "sit lightly in the saddle", "nibble like a goat", "put it behind you", "it's not about you", to name a few. But mostly he has given me a soul-deep peace that says, we are not alone on this journey - especially not at these times of transition and change. We are surrounded by community that shares this walk and shares this faith, a faith that tells us to get up and go at it another day with gratitude and joy. God is with us. Additional Thoughts: Thank you to all who touch my life in so many ways every day at KUC. I will miss more than I can express the daily, "your Dad is looking for you Kathy!" And, the joy we have received from Friday Chapels with my Mom at the piano will be held close forever. I am so grateful to all who cherish small children and families. Susan Bottum and her Childrens' Ministries team and the church staff enrich our lives every day. I especially appreciate the time and energy given by the 25 women on the AJN Board led this year by Caroline Degenaars. Over the years it has been so hard for me to let these women "graduate" from our program. But, I know that their gifts are needed in the larger world. We welcome new friends to our Board under the leadership of Katie Nahrwold. Thank you for sharing in this very important mission. Kris Whisner - your last newsletter of the year, Yea! You are the best! And, to our teachers, I give thanks for you every morning and every night and many times in-between. Have a fun summer!