May Day

May Day began as a spring festival long ago.  People gathered together on the first day of May to celebrate the coming of summer.  A lot of different customs have been a part of May Day festivities.  For example, some people would gather flowers and put them by their doors and windows to keep out troublesome fairies.  Some would put out their old fireplace hearth fires and gather with people in their village to start a new fire to take home.  One custom included cutting down a tree and putting up a Maypole in the center of town.  Ribbons were attached to the pole and woven together by dancers.  One other custom included filling May Baskets with flowers and other goodies to give to friends and loved ones.

We may not participate in as many May Day festivities as people did years ago, but in the Bible the Apostle Paul challenges us to do good to other people.  He says, “Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers” (Galatians 6:10).  This text seems to tell us three things:

1)    We should constantly look for ways we can support others and share God’s goodness with them.

2)    We should be open to do good to everyone.

3)    We should especially do good to those who are part of the family of God.

During this month you might ask yourself a question – “What have I done to show kindness and goodness to others?”  Maybe this would be a great time to identify at least five people that come to your mind.  Plan to do something special for them.  How about a telephone call to one or more individuals just to say “Hi” and see how they are doing?  What about sending a note or an email to someone to tell them what you appreciate about them?  How about talking to someone and let them know that you have been praying for them?  Maybe you could determine that you are going to smile and be friendly to other people more often this month.  Let’s use May Day as a prod to encourage us to do good to others.