March 3`1st usually indicates the end of winter in my town, but this year, winter has decided to hang on indefinitely. Another winter storm is approaching with the possibility of 5″ to 8″ of new snow. We sort of get used this in the Midwest, By this time of the year, we’re all a little devoid of vitamin D. We have a bad case of cabin fever. We’re stuck in a rut and it seems like it will never end.

On this same day, March 31, 1492, King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella issued the Alhambra decree, ordering 150,000 Jewish subjects to convert to Christianity or face expulsion. I wonder how those Jews felt.

On March 31, 1889, the Eiffel Tower is officially opened. Imagine the thoughts of the people of Paris as they gazed upon this architectural giant. How would you like to have that sitting in your backyard landscape?

In 1909, my father in law, Robert H. Boecher was born. He became a successful funeral director in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. He passed away at the age of 56. A man of compassion ad great dignity, I will always treasure the memory of him.

In 1918, Daylight saving time went into effect in the United States. That which was designed to give farmers more daylight to do their work has turned into a point of great controversy today.

Three years ago on March 31, 2020, the world was under the grip of death and a pandemic that seemed endless. And here we are, three years later, still wearing masks at times, without many of our friends and relatives. Life has changed dramatically for many of us. Our society has changed too. Our three years of isolation has taken its toll on relationships, communication, education, entertainment, workplaces – and given way to a new way of living and focus.

Days come and go. Time marches on. We turn the page of our journey each day to another chapter in this thing called life. In two weeks, we will recall another Friday when death filled the minds of many. The ultimate sacrifice was paid on Good Friday, when Jesus laid down His life for all people. Some day we will die, but because of what was done on that first Good Friday, we are guaranteed a new life, where things are perfect – no storms – no wars – no fear or sorrow – no death. THANK YOU, JESUS!