May

23May
Wake up, my spirit; awake, lute and harp; 
I myself will waken the dawn.
- Psalm 57:8

“It is not the strongest of the species that survive, nor the most intelligent, but the one most responsive to change.”  
-Charles Darwin


The month of May often stirs deep feelings, most of them tied to transitions. Life is always in flux, yet something about May makes the shifting more noticeable. Some of these transitions are natural - like the full arrival of spring - while others are shaped by society and culture: graduations, festivals and seasonal celebrations.


May is closely linked with spring, a season of renewal and rebirth. The old saying, “April showers bring May flowers,” reflects not just the weather but an emotional awakening as well. There’s something about seeing flowers bloom that can lift the spirit, signaling hope, growth, and new beginnings.


In New Orleans, by May, the landscape is lush and alive. This year, I’ve been especially mindful of the blooms in my neighborhood. Each morning on my walk, I make it a point to notice them - sometimes even changing my route to discover something new. I snap photos as I go, a small daily ritual that keeps me in awe of nature and reminds me of the beauty that exists beyond what is human-made, a reminder that it too, will not be there forever.


May is also the season of graduations - a time that marks a significant shift in many lives. Some are stepping into new adventures, while others are adjusting to the absence that follows. For parents and caregivers, especially, the transition can be tender. The departure of a child-whether for college, work or simply the next phase of independence - can stir unexpected emotions. It’s not just the graduate who is beginning a new chapter. Those who remain behind must begin again, too, in a different way.


May also brings a season of celebration. From local festivals that fill the streets with music, food, and joy, to larger cultural events, there’s a vibrant energy in the air. These gatherings reflect our need for connection, marking time together. They help us feel alive, part of something larger.


Then there is Mother’s Day - a moment of tenderness for many. For some, it is a day of joy and gratitude, a celebration of nurturing love. For others, it can be a reminder of loss, longing or complicated relationships. Like many days in May, it holds a mix of emotions, reminding us how change touches every corner of our lives, even in love.


Every beginning holds an ending, and every ending quietly carries the seed of a new beginning. In May, we are reminded that change is always present - sometimes joyful, sometimes bittersweet - but always an invitation to grow.


Musical Reflection - Feeling Good - Michael Buble


In the gift of this new day,

in the gift of the present moment,

ini the gift of time and eternity intertwined

let us be grateful

let us be attentive

let us be open to what has never happened before,

in the gift of this new day,

in the gift of the present moment,

in the gift of time and eternity intertwined. Amen.

-John Philip Newel

PsalmsRenewalEaster

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