"Brief Devotions For Busy Lives" by Rev. Dr. Mary Johnson: Isaiah 55:10-11

 May 1

"The rain and snow fall from the sky and do not return, but instead water the earth and make it produce and yield crops, and provide seed for the planter and food for those who must eat. In the same way, the promise that I make does not return to me, having accomplished nothing. No, it is realized as I desire and is fulfilled as I intend.” - Isaiah 55:10-11 (NET)

May Day, the first day in May is celebrated around the world today as the joyous festival of "May Day". It has a number of meanings but is a celebration of Spring and is joyfully announced with many different spring flowers. Most of them bloom right in our own backyard such as wild violets, crocuses, pansies, and others. In some countries, this is a celebration honoring workers with a holiday of rest and rejuvenation. The earliest May Day celebrations appeared in pre-Christian times, honoring Florila, the Roman goddess of flowers. The early Christian church observed May Day with devotions honoring Mary, mother of Jesus. Children in America today often celebrate May Day by the giving of "May baskets," or small baskets of sweets and carefully picked fresh wildflowers, usually left anonymously on neighbors' doorsteps. Hal Borland once said “April is a promise that May is bound to keep". This profound truth about April's promise is certainly fulfilled in the variety of stunning flowers appearing all around us. So it is with today's scripture from Isaiah when God says, "In the same way, the promise that I make does not return to me, having accomplished nothing." Here is a gracious offer of joy, hope, peace, and happiness from God. We will not be disappointed if we trust in God's promises. They are sure anchors we can rely on in the changing seasons of our lives knowing that flowers do bloom especially after the cold dark winters in our lives. Breathe deeply of fresh air on this May Day and take time to celebrate the fulfillment of God's promises in all of Creation!

Prayer: Lord, Thank you for flowers, festivals, fresh air, and the 1st day of May. Renew your joy within me. Amen.

Meditation For The Day: Wildflowers are God's gift to you!

Brief Devotions For Busy Lives: Daily Spring Renewal Paperback – February 21, 2017, by Rev. Dr. Mary Johnson (Author)