Well, hi!
It’s the first Monday we are experience of the fifth month of 2025!
That means we are rolling right into Memorial Day and the Summer months!
Mother Nature gave us a little taste of Summer this past week with some days in the 80’s, which was nice, but also just a bit too hot (at least for me) this early in the season. Give me the 80’s after Memorial Day.
Kthanks. Mmmbyeee.
Anyhoo, let’s get down to business.
May is Mental Health Awareness Month.
And according to the National Institute of Mental Health, more than 1 in 5 U.S. adults live with a mental illness. Furthermore, 1 in 6 U.S. youth aged 6-17 experience a mental health disorder each year while suicide is the second leading cause of death among individuals ages 10-14.
And these numbers only continue to climb.
I would bet for most of you reading these words today that you either know of an individual who has suffered (or currently suffering) with some form of mental illness or that you yourself have experienced some kind of version of it over the years.
This week, I found solice and rejuvenation in the following:
- Sunday service at Brickerville United Lutheran Church where I have been doing some Music Director subbing this year. Not sure when I will be back or in what capacity, but I felt some tears and got lots of hugs after the service.
- Family dinner night and playing Old Main with Mackenzie even if we don’t follow the rules completely.
- A professional development training I led with my teammates at work about the book Triggers I read earlier this year.
- A beautiful check-in call with Ryan that just connected and hit all the dots so authentically.
- Dinner, quality time, and conversation with Abby.
- Running the prize wheel at Clark Assosciates’ Derby Day fundraiser at Lancaster Country Club–always such a fun time!
- A slow Saturday morning with coffee and my feet propped upon the coffee table.
- Fresh air from the windows being open.
- Fun text message exchanges with Devin.
- Meeting with Pastor Angie to catch up, discuss Summer worship, and bounce ideas off each other to recharge our souls.
As we go throughout Mental Health Awareness Month (and all months to be honest), let us not forget those around us struggling.
Check in on your friends and loved ones.
Smile at the stranger.
Take time to relish in what helps YOU recharge.
Share the love and kindness with the world.
Sprinkle sunshine always,
JP!
Mr. Sunshine Smiles 