The Gift of May

The first of May, or May Day, was a favorite day when I was a child. I seem to remember fashioning "baskets" out of construction paper, filling them with flowers (dandelions most likely), and hanging them on neighbors' doors. We'd ring the bell, yell "Happy May Day," and run off. Later that day at school we'd dance around a Maypole. That was "up north" where seasons were moderate and May was a month of flowers.

It seems this year, from the first of May until now, the weather has been like a May Day present. Often May here in the south can be cool, and then suddenly blazing hot (with summer arriving in full, just like that). Not so this year. We've had delightful rain showers in good abundance, filled out with mild sunny days. It's as if God remembers the incredibly hot, arid weather last summer and decided to gift us with a beautiful month. And roses seem to be everywhere. They have come into their own in our garden, and everywhere else too. Amazing Grace brought me some beautiful roses from her garden last night.

I'm learning to take notice of the small things and be thankful, as a friend reminded me yesterday. I think God wrapped up this month, tied it with a bow, labeled it "May," and sent it special delivery.