Like Dorothy’s friend, the Tin Man in the Wizard of Oz, I am now in need of some squirts from his oil can to start me going again and plunge me into the wonders found on the yellow brick road of summertime in Michigan.

The pains of shaking off the rust of hibernation are challenging.

It is a time of testing for our faith, hope and love.

History, however, convinces me that the struggle will be worth it. A renewed heart and spirit are worth leaving the shelter and comfort of the fireplace and blankets pulled over my head when winter was in command.

But now the water is rolling across the lake and lapping the warming shores and no longer allows the ice fishermen to walk across it out to their fishing shelters. The real green of spring can’t be seen yet, but the magic of hope stirs across the landscape.

The ump has called, “PLAY BALL!” (Even though the Tigers may not have heard the call — yet.) The snow shovels and blowers have been put away and the rakes and mowers have been dusted off. The heavy clothes of winter are now out of sight with the gloves, scarves, knit caps and earmuffs. Boats are being prepared for launch and the barbecue pit is almost ready for the first fire of the season.

Arrangements are being made for visiting and receiving visitors. Both short and long trips are being planned, causing broad smiles and eager hearts responding to the coming sunrays with no concern for the fears of global warming. The schools will really empty out and the playgrounds will be overflowing with the melody of shouts of freedom awakening the world around us. It is the time to embrace the sober truth of yesterday now being history, tomorrow being mystery and today being a gift — and that is why it is called a “present.”

Though the time ahead will be filled with thousands of new joys and treasures of pleasures, it will not do away with the softness of loafing beneath the shade of umbrellas and trees while drinking in the intoxication of a refreshing breeze.

If you ever wondered how long forever is, just ask any student as the school doors close on the last day of school and the joyous summer vacation is embraced.

Emerging from the prison of the rust of hibernation, it is fun to review the endless daily joys awaiting us. For every one I name, I bet you can name at least 10 to 100.

Start with short sleeves, sand dollars, singing — maybe out of tune, but loudly — pruning trees, fields of corn, applause, feeding a puppy, clusters of old trees and wideopen spaces, hot dogs, the ice cream man, staring into space, smiles, cheerful greetings, clouds, fresh hand picked apple ...

Enjoy your summer and the present of today every day.

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