Nancy Beach

The Tease of Spring

     The next few days are glorious in Chicago - high 60's, sunny, bright and hopeful.  People are walking around with bigger smiles and a delightful spring in their step.  Those of us who have lived here forever realize we can't trust it, that summer is actually very far away, that before we know it we'll be ferociously yanked back to winter and maybe even snow (some is predicted as possible for Sunday).  We know that the month of March always includes a tease.  One of my friends says the entire month toys with you, cruelly offering a glimpse of warmth before the darkness once again descends.

     So I know all that is true.  But for today and tomorrow, I will embrace and receive this temporary gift.  I will get outside as much as possible, lower the window in my car just a smidge, and smile more at everyone.  I will seize the opportunity to imagine that in a few months, I actually will be more permanently warm again.  Every season brings its share of wonder.  But Spring has to be my favorite because I am once again reminded that God has not stopped overcoming the deadness of winter, that new possibilities are always around the corner, that daffodils will eventually show their little yellow heads and all will be well and hopeful and WARM.  I'll take the tease and try very hard not to be cynical waiting for those snowflakes...

Theatre and Good Friends

     I've returned from a lot of travel.  The most recent journey was to Hawaii - suffering for Jesus as I spoke at a tremendous conference in Honolulu.  I took my husband along so we could celebrate our 30th wedding anniversary.  The only other time we've been to Hawaii was for our honeymoon!  We had a fantastic time, and I am deeply grateful.

     Life is back to normal, and it looks like Spring might actually come to the Chicago area.  Last night I had the joy of attending a play put on by the House Theatre company.  The combination of good theatre and great friends never fails to breathe life into me.  I love to go to theatre with people who appreciate it as much as I do, and who engage in animated conversation during intermission and all the way home.  The House Theatre company does some of the most fascinating, innovative theatrical work in our part of the world.  This particular play, Wilson Wants It All, portrays American life in the year 2040.  Very scary, indeed!  I thought the writing was inventive, the staging highly creative, and the small audience was quite engaged.  This ensemble of twenty-something actors played some roles of characters who should be in their 50's or 60's.  I'm not sure I agree with their choice to not cast some older actors in those roles, because it does stretch the credibility.  But otherwise, the acting was good and the piece triggers some reflection on where our country is heading and what is required of us heading into the future.

     Even for those who do not regularly go to live theatre, I urge you to consider checking out some of these smaller, lesser known venues. The tickets are not terribly expensive, and I rarely leave without feeling stretched and invigorated.  Add a few friends to the mix, and you've got the makings of a wonderful night!