Bloom and grow: embracing the golden years

by Mary Springer

Hello, Friends.  My name is Mary Springer.  Mick, my husband of nearly 55 years, and I grew up in Wisconsin and raised our family there. We moved to Rochester 10 years ago to live closer to our son, Adam, his wife, Holli, and their three children: Noah, Abbie and Kenzie.  You may know them, as they also attend Calvary.  Our daughter, Susan, and her husband Sam, and two boys, Theo and Emil, live in Los Angeles, CA.  We love them all so much.

I was welcomed into the world in 1949, and have bloomed in different phases of my life, as a wife, mother, Nana, sister, daughter, granddaughter, niece, teacher, and friend.  Certainly, no one’s life is perfect this side of heaven.  There were many challenges and times where I struggled. God had a plan for me, even when I couldn’t see it.  He would provide a sister in Christ who would reach out and pray me through the circumstances.

When an older person moves to a new community, having left so many friends and much personal history behind, it can be difficult to make new friends.  By then, many friend groups are set and don’t feel the need to add one more person. We have lovely neighbors, but the longing for fellowship with sisters in Christ left a 7 year void in my heart, even though we were worshipping elsewhere.  I just kept praying.   Then we came to Calvary. Oh, my blooms are thriving and healthier than ever since we arrived three years ago.  My cup runneth over with joy! 

I am so grateful for this congregation, the teaching and the fellowship.  I love praising the Lord in Renovaré and the nurturing Bible studies that are offered.  The JOY ( Just Older Youth) group is a delight, as are the many people I have met here.  If you know me, you’ll know that I like to chat.  It’s one reason I love helping at the Welcome desk once a month.  

There have been challenges, as well.  As much as I enjoy others, I really enjoy the quiet of my home.  Somedays I find myself being reclusive, just hunkering down without responding to others.  That would be healthy for a bit, especially if I was using my time to clean or to be creative!  That’s not usually the case. However, I have made a friend who keeps track of me and reaches out until I respond.  What a gift she is!

I enjoy reading and my monthly book club.  I used to sew, knit, crochet, play piano, garden and do other crafts.  I do still enjoy crafting with my granddaughter.  Soon I will plant seeds indoors in preparation for the pots on our deck.  I love the anticipation of watching the seedlings grow.  It’s so rewarding when they are blooming in the summer.  If they lag, I know they need more attention, because they depend on me for their care.

Isn’t that just what God does for us?  Sometimes I cry out when difficulties come my way and then wait for His will to become mine.  Often He provides without me asking.  I depend on Him for the sustenance of my spirit, mind, and soul.  That’s when faith growth happens, whether in joy or in sorrow. Praise God for His care and provision! 

Some of you may know this nursery rhyme: “Mary, Mary quite contrary.  How does your garden grow?  My answer, “Very well thank you, with God’s help.”