It’s a new month and the weather is beginning to warm up a bit. The forecast even has it moving into the 70s. Some people are even beginning to plan summer vacations as it seems that we may have rounded the corner on the last two years of concern that often became deep fear of illness and death. We are being warned to still be cautious.
Some NJ Transit riders want a car where everyone will still be masked. That’s understandable. We are still in a world of constant worry and caution. Certainly using a mask in indoor spaces with people you don’t know makes common sense.
May is a transition month, reflecting how we think not just about ourselves, but others, and especially the world around us. It calls us to welcome the morning sun, now earlier than before and to take pause for the beauty of the world around us – before the heat of summer overtakes us. It will end with Memorial Day, a time to reflect on the sacrifice of those who protected our freedom and continue to work to expand freedom in the world.
Prayer for the Day
Creator and Creating God, the beauty of the morning overwhelms us,
As we see the sun bringing a new day with its hopes;
The branches begin to yield their leaves to bring us shade,
And birds flit about looking for food from our feeders. .
Come, O God, and remind us that we are not the owners
Of your earth and your creation, but caretakers.
In the name of the One who walked among grass and lilies,
Even Christ Jesus our Lord. Amen
Thoughts for the Day
Then you have to remember to be thankful; but in May one simply can't help being thankful . . . that they are alive, if for nothing else.
- Lucy M. Montgomery, Canadian novelist (1874-1942)
May, more than any other month of the year, wants us to feel most alive.”
- Fennel Hudson, A Meaningful Life - Fennel's Journal - No. 1
Praise the Lord! Praise to Godin the sanctuary;
Praise God in the mighty firmament! Praise God for all the mighty deeds done,
Praise God according to God’s surpassing greatness!
Praise God with trumpet sound; praise God with lute and harp!
Praise God with tambourine and dance; praise God with strings and pipe!
Praise God with clanging cymbals, with loud clashing cymbals.
Let everything that breathes praise the Lord! Praise the Lord!
Psalm 150