Do you remember making May baskets as a child? Simple construction paper baskets or a styrofoam cup with a pipe cleaner handle? Filled with popped popcorn, gum drops, jelly beans and perhaps a few picked violets? It is May day. A new month, a new week, and hopefully a new weather pattern of sunshine for awhile.
Perhaps this is exactly what I need today. Preparing a little surprise gift to take to someone. Spreading cheer always helps lift the gloom and sadness of a broken heart. I'm looking forward to the bountiful May flowers that should follow the saturating rains of this weekend.
I remember John's story of living in town and a neighbor girl who was determined to get her May Day kiss so she followed him all the way home, through his front door and upstairs to his bedroom door that he quickly slammed.
"The Lord has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners, to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn, and provide for those who grieve in Zion--to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair," (Isaiah 61:1-3 and Luke 4:18-19 NIV).
Lord, though my heart is sad today I ask for Your healing good news to raise me from the heaviness of hurt and let me focus on You and doing good for others. Lord, comfort those in mourning and bring them Your peace. Amen.
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