BRIGHT SPOTS & PERVASIVE SHADOWS 1972

MAY,the most widely accepted explanation is that it was named for Maia, the Roman goddess of spring and growth. Her name related to a Latin word that means increase or growth.  And the month of HIS birthday.

Upon going through the events of May 40 years ago, I was disappointed in that my feelings and emotions continued to be so erratic.

I was so hoping to see that much was behind me.  The bright spots were overshadowed by pervasive dark feelings and jealousy as I saw many classmates pairing off for the upcoming Junior/Senior Banquet, the highlight of the year and engagement announcements. 
 Oh, I was not alone.  I had plenty of company.
I was going?  It was one function I was not going to miss even if I had to go alone.

At the banquet-1972

  It was my very first fancy gala event ever and I was determined to make the most out of every moment of it.
It made such an impression on me that I recounted with detail and  sketches. 

The banquet was held at Mt. Scott with a Scottish theme.  The Macleary bag pipe and drum band played while a girl danced over swords.  The atmosphere was festive as I sat at a table with mostly single faculty and staff members.
The highlight of the evening was our speaker, Dr. Haddon Robinson, a professor at Dallas Theological Seminary.
The message was centered on giving thanks to God for everything (for behind everything there is a someone)  Giving thanks to God is an essential for living a victorious life.
The highlight of the evening was a nightcap of Constant Comment Tea and bee-hive honey cakes with the ladies I sat with back at the house.  It was a unique evening.
After such a momentous occasion.  Tues.May 9,1972 entry begins with this ditty:  "God is good, God is great!
            Now I thank him for this mood."
It turned out to be one of those dark days.  The struggle was great.  Bitterness and jealousy were beckoning.  Anxiousness and worry began to settle over the anticipation of upcoming finals year end details and the senior retreat.
I attempted to delve into God's Word but could not focus.  I began to seek things to be thankful for.  I listened to hymns and choruses which snapped me out of that foul melancholy mood.  I went out for walks when the weather permitted.
The next few days were stormy as I struggled.  
Then followed sunny days as Portland's clouds slipped away to unveil the beauty of spring and I was privileged to experience some respite only some of the wealthier enjoy.  I enjoyed a visit with dinner to Arthur's house.  Arthur was the young,handsome nephew of the lady where I lived.  He lived on the Vancouver side on a hill overlooking the Columbia River and on the Portland side the airport.
We enjoyed watching the boats go by and the planes coming in.

1 Peter 5:7"Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you."

1 Peter 4:19  ^"So then, those who suffer according to God’s will should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good."

CLICK HERE FOR THE VERY FIRST ENTRY OF THIS PART OF MY JOURNEY.Darkest-days-of-my-life.html

dealing-with-lifes-struggles-1972 CLICK HERE recommended books that helped me go through this part of my life.