“THE MERRY MONTH OF MAY”

May is one of my favorite months of the year. The promise of spring is usually finally realized. Yet the weather is not as hot and humid as it gets later in the year. The school year is ending, but vacation season when so many are away from church and attendance suffers has not yet begun. Flowers are blooming and all of creation seems to be praising God.

However May is special for two important events that happen during the month. The first is Mother’s Day. The second Sunday of May is the time set aside to honor our Mothers. As a child I remember going out in the yard to what we called the “Bubby Rose” bush and picking one of those red flowers to wear. Red was the color you wore if your Mother was still living and white was worn if she was deceased. I remember feeling really sad when Daddy wore a white flower after Grandmother Gregory died. A Mother’s or Grandmother’s love is very special.

Another childhood memory is tied to the date of May 10th for Mother would never let us go barefoot until that date. Even though I resented it then, especially during those hot days of late April and early May, I came to realize that Mother really had my best interest at heart. Often we resent the limitations God places on us without realizing that God has our best interest at heart as well. It is true that a Mother’s love is the closest thing on earth to God’s love.

So this May 12th take time to let your Mother know how special she is if you are fortunate enough to still have her with you. If your Mother has passed away, take the time to honor her memory.

The second important event in May is Pentecost. This is the birthday of the church. The Holy Spirit filled that Upper Room and changed a group of frightened powerless disciples into the mighty Church of Jesus Christ. With the fire and power of the indwelling presence of the Spirit they were bold enough to change the world! Hear what even those who opposed them had to say: “Those who have turned the world upside down have come here too.” [Acts 17:6 N.K.J.V.]

What a wonderful testimony! How it puts us to shame! Maybe the church needs to wake up and realize that the Holy Spirit can give us the power to turn our world upside down for Christ. Let us claim that power, not just on Pentecost Sunday, May19th, but each and every day for the rest of our life.

Richard