May does seem to be the most miraculous month, wouldn’t you say?

May is the result of winter’s rest and April’s showers.

May is the budding time of God’s time – the harbinger of the growing season, the blossoming season, the rebirthing of bulbs and seed. From time immemorial people have been celebrating this time of new beginnings as our ancient forebearers sought to appease the fertility gods in order to assure a bountiful growing season.

Our son, Christopher, reports that Minnesotans look forward to May as the time when the snows melt – a sure sign of spring there.

For us, May can be a budding time as well – a time of rebirth, a time to blossom and grow in our faith and in our relation to God and each other.

This is a season of special Sundays:

It’s Older Adult Month, there’s Mother’s Day, Christian Family Day, and Memorial Day.

During May, a unique celebration makes each Sunday special.

May can be special for you, too.

Take time to read the weekly Bible readings.

Begin to reflect on your prayer practice.

Reflect on the desperate need for the world around us to see us practice love.

Reflect on the new day and the new world that is both a promise and a reality that we can experience here and now.

Reflect on the refreshment we experience

and can offer the world around us.

And, reflect on the spirit that fills our lives with meaning and propels us to minister to the needs of others.

Such discipline this month can only be beneficial. Results are guaranteed! Try it!

As you do, remember the rest of us in the church - as we will remember you. In this small way, this month of May can be a time to bud and flower.

Your soul will find nourishment and your countenance will flourish.

I am looking forward to this special month,
this special time,
these special Sundays.

See you in church,

Clyde E. Griffith

From the Pastor's Pen from The People's Steeple, September 2001