Today, April 8, 2024, North America will experience its second total solar eclipse in seven years.

 

You and I have experienced various seasons these past seven years.  It could have been building new relationships, ending old ones, starting a new career, joining a church, or seeing someone through a difficult time.

 

What was yours?

 

Each of us has a specific story about the season of life we are currently in now.  Some are preparing for retirement, while others are starting a new career.  Whatever season you are in, enjoy the moments and the people that have inspired you.

 

I can tell you that seven years ago, I was healing from the loss of my mother in December 2016 and learning to live without her.

 

Today, since 2017, many are awaiting the timing of the second total eclipse, which will bring its duration of totality to your specific location as the moon passes in front of the sun.

 

How will this season differ from the one seven years ago?

 

I believe it’s interesting how we can wake up one morning and see God’s work as trees and flowers begin to come to life overnight.

 

It almost seems like the trees were barren yesterday, and winter was still here.

 

As I recently welcomed spring, I witnessed all the Cherry Blossoms peaking; however, other trees and flowers on a different timetable have not bloomed. I often wondered why.

 

Maybe it’s because everything has a specific season in our lives.

 

This past week, I received word that the Priest, when I was on the Parish Council in 2017 during my three years, passed away suddenly.

 

I’m honored to share just one season of my life that has allowed me to become a better person and grow in God’s grace.

 

As I thought of the seasons where he guided me for my first year as the Parish Vice President and then two years as the Parish President of St. Teresa of Avila Catholic Church, I know he is blooming in heaven.

 

People enter and exit our lives for various reasons and seasons.  I also know that from experience, we don’t know the impact until we stop and think about what happened.

 

I watched his leadership during the planning of our new Church, which was worth over 13 million dollars.  The day the Church was consecrated, just before Christmas in 2018, the Church owed no money and was debt-free.

 

His name is Father Mike Ingram, and he was a visionary who left a mark that will not be easily erased.

 

He was also a humble person who took opportunities to honor his mother, other priests, and his calling.

 

Father Mike was humble when he first introduced himself to the Parish, acknowledging that we already had another Priest named Father Michael, and he chose to call himself Father Mike.

 

Although Father Michael was the temporary Pastor until Father Mike arrived, the two complimented or completed each other.

 

We all have our crosses to bear as Father Michael was on Dialysis when I was the Parish President, and Father Mike always ensured we prayed for him.

 

Last year, Father Michael Roverse, who was instrumental in my life as well, passed away (March 15, 2023); I’m sure no one would have ever imagined Father Mike Ingram would follow him shortly a year later.

 

Rev. Michael E. Roverse Obituary 2023 – Thomas Poteet & Son Funeral Directors

 

I share with you today the obituary for Father Mike Ingram, a Pastor who had various seasons of his life before becoming the Pastor of the Church.

 

https://www.thomaspoteet.com/obituaries/fr-mike-ingram

 

Today, it’s about recognizing the people who have entered your life and left a mark that will not easily be erased.

 

Ironically, this week, I’m studying the life of Joseph, the eleventh son of Jacob (Israel), and how his lineage is tied to Abraham and Jesus.

 

Sometimes, it takes years for our dreams to manifest before we understand their meaning.  For Joseph, it was over 20 years.

 

When I read how Father Mike’s journey prepared him for the privilege of being Pastor of St. Teresa of Avila, Catholic Church, it was something that he was predestined or preordained to do.

 

I’m sure his parents are so proud of him and how his Catholic upbringing brought him to his destination on his life journey.

 

As you await the timing of the eclipse today, think about what season you are in and what people have made it possible for you to succeed.