April 2026

April Showers Bring May Flowers!?!?" 

Rev. Michael S. Williams

In the month of April, the phrase, April showers bring May flowers is commonly used. But April isn’t the rainiest month of the year, at least in Virginia, making us wonder why the saying is about April and not other rainy months. Another question is if these showers really bring flowers in May?  Being part British, I found it fascinating that The saying "April Showers Bring May Flowers" originated from the United Kingdom (allegedly as long ago as the early 1600's, more commonly used in the 1800's). The lower temperatures in the UK often push back the blooming of flowers to early May, so that’s why they are referred to as May flowers.  Some believe that this saying teaches us that a circumstance leads to a different one in different stages of life.

As one who celebrates his birthday in early March (and being a Northern Shenandoah Valley Boy), I have experienced every season imaginable in March.  I've built snowmen, snow forts, gone sled riding.  I've seen torrential rains flood the Rappahannock river (where I was Baptised) in Sumerduck (Southern Fauquier County, Va).  I've witnessed a tornado.  I've also played baseball on my birthday, wearing shorts and a short sleeve shirt, frequently wiping the sweat off of my face from the intense heat.

I often joke with folks that we should change the motto of Virginia from "Virginia is for Lovers" to "Welcome to Virginia, home of the Bi-Polar Climate.  If you don't like our season, please be patient and give us a few hours."  Recently, this reminded me of my sermon on Sunday, 22 March ("Wake Up!!"), when I asked how many of us have that '"Gotta Have it NOW" mentality, parallelling our impatience with God with that of Mary and Martha over the death, and eventuality of bringing back to life, of Lazarus.

I can't wait to see the blossoms of tulips and my vegetable plants each spring.  I love the joy of "new life".  Sometimes, I get impatient because I want to move my plants outdoors to bigger pots sooner than they are ready.  I have to remind myself way too often that my time frame and God's don't always match, and that's "not" God's problem.....it's mine.

Waiting on the Lord to do God's thing in God's time is not easy for any of us, whether it's a flower, a vegetable plant, the birth of a child, or something more serious like an operation or a life changing event, wanting our body to heal quicker than the body is ready.....if ready at all.  Instead of waiting on the Lord and "Being Still" (Psalm 46:10), we want to rush God.  Guess what, folks? It's not going to happen.  As easy as it is to get frustrated, confused, upset, hurt, and even angry, what a blessing it is to see God's plan work on God's schedule.  

I'm convinced that God brings us spring in the Northern Shenandoah Valley slowly to remind us to slow ourselves down, "smell the roses", enjoy the slow growth of the vegetables, be thankful for the process of life, and thank God often (especially at this time of year) for the reminder of renewal, the joy of new life, and the opportunity for inner peace, through Jesus Christ.

Peace and Blessings,

Michael

March 2026

In March 1966, Virginia experienced significant snowfall, particularly in the region of Winchester, VA. The Blizzard of 1966, which occurred between March 2-5, resulted in 20 to 30 inches of snow in some areas, with wind gusts exceeding 70 mph. This blizzard caused widespread disruption, including school closures and food shortages across the state. The blizzard is notable for its long duration and severe conditions, making it one of the most severe winter storms in Virginia's history.

On March 8, 1966, a beautiful woman from Ipswich, Suffolk (England), with a two-year-old boy already in tow, had just come over from her homeland a month before.  Driven by her sister-in-law in her rear-wheel-drive Pontiac to Winchester Medical Center (The Old Cork Street location) around 12 noon, a baby boy, most eager to make his grand appearance was (allegedly) already to check out of mommas crib by the time Aunt Evelyn and Momma got to the hospital.  Rushed to the delivery room  (ON THE 3RD FLOOR!!), less than thirty minutes after arrival, Michael Sean Williams was welcomed into the World.

My grandmother, Edna (a Nurse’s Assistant) was observed running around the corner to see her newest grandbaby, and her youngest son’s boy. She was said to immediately yell out to the World: “HIS NAME IS MICHAEL!!” Fortunately, my mother and father had already planned this, knowing how much my grandma Williams always wanted a “Michael” in the family.  Not lost in the chaos was my Great Aunt Maxine, who thought it was perfectly acceptable to come into the delivery room smoking a cigarette.  Apparently, even in the 1960’s this was frowned upon 😆.

Sixty years later, I take measure of the strong family roots that helped me become the man that I am today.  I was always close with my grandma Williams, and my Aunt Evelyn was the only human I ever eulogized as a Saint.  Every time I drive by “The Old Hospital”, I still smile.

March is a reflective month for me.  One never knows what to expect, whether it’s weather, or, you know…..Michael being Michael.  Reflecting on my life, the enjoyment and the sorrows, over the past sixty years, I’m constantly reminded that God always has a plan for me.  It may not be what I had in mind, but like Jesus' half-brother, James, was quoted (James 1: 2- 4, NSRV): “My brothers and sisters, whenever you face various trials, consider it all joy, because you know that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance complete its work, so that you may be complete and whole, lacking in nothing. “  This reminds me that God is not done with me.  He’s not done with you.  While I have no clue what the future holds, I am confident who holds my future.  In this, I find eternal refuge and peace.

 Peace and Blessings,

Michael