Leaping to a 4-year Reflection

It's time again to take a jump on this once-every-4-years Leap Day.

It's kind of interesting to say that we have an extra day in 2020.

And it's an occasion that makes me think about where I was 4 years ago the last time we had a Leap Day.

I remember 4 years ago I was in my final semester of graduate school.  I had an evening class on February 29, 2016, in fact, with Karen Snow, learning about cataloging in-depth.

Now, I'm in a position using my MLIS degree in doing library work, in which I help people access what they're seeking, as I attain to living out my life's vocation.  Part of this has led to my ownership of my own vehicle, which I use regularly to commute to work.  I've also used it to take trips all through the central United States.

I do the same in teaching Religious Education, as I help guide the youths in my charge to encounter God and grow in a relationship with Him.

With each year and its group of students, I marvel at the new wonders God is working in my midst.  Like it was four years ago, this Leap Day 2020 falls during the Season of Lent, close to the beginning, whereas in 2016, we were almost halfway through.

Certainly, as I reflect upon the past four years, I think about all the changes that have occurred in that time.

There have been new additions to the family.  And among major milestones marked was the Bicentennial of Illinois, my celebration of which gave me the chance to experience new parts of Illinois.  There have also been changes in leadership, particularly with the Governorship of Illinois.  President Trump has completed more than 3/4 of his term as president, and 4 years ago, he was in the midst of a crowded field of candidates seeking the Republican nomination for US President.

Notably, we are not only in the midst of a presidential election campaign season on this Leap Day 2020, but we're also in the process of the once-every-decade US Census.  The last time a US Census was held in a Leap Year was 20 years ago.

And, oh, how the country continues to grow and change in notable ways, even as I've gotten to see more of it.  I've also traveled internationally in the past 4 years, which meant I got my first-ever US passport so I can make way to new worlds on the globe.

Indeed, for all of us throughout the world using the solar calendar, we have an extra day this year to continue seeking out opportunities for good works, as we marvel at what is happening around us.