The first day of May has sure changed a lot since I was a
kid. My elementary school had a
traditional May Day celebration, and I remember learning the art of winding the Maypole in P.E. class, making
May Day baskets for art class, and choosing
a May Day king and queen each year
from the 7th graders. Yes,
times were simpler “way back when”, and things like working together to
accomplish goals and learning how to give to others were taught through fun
activities like maypole winding and basket making.
Today, all across our nation, there will be thousands of
people marching in protests, defying
police and other authorities, and seeking to cause mayhem wherever they are – all in the name of May Day. It is difficult to understand or explain the
shift from my childhood until now, whether you’ve lived through it like I have
or whether you are newer on the scene.
While for many it seems like a good thing to join in on, for most of us
it seems senseless and destructive for no logical reason.
I know there are also some peaceful protests taking place
today that may be for good causes. But
as I was thinking about the sermon I heard in church yesterday, I couldn’t help
but see the connection and application to May Day activities. My pastor spoke on Romans 12:2 – “Do not conform
any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of
your mind. Then you will be able to test
and approve what God’s will is – his good, pleasing and perfect will.”
As Christians, it is important that we act differently than
the spirit of the age that is all
around us – not isolated, but distinguished in ways that bring salt and light into a lost world.
Only when we allow God and his Word to work in our hearts and change
the way we think are we in a position to truly be salt and light. Then we can know and follow God’s will, standing up for things that really
matter and loving others instead of spreading hate. The church hasn’t always gotten this right
through the years, but each one of us can be a part of getting it right in our
generation.
Instead of joining in on useless activities like May Day
violence, I plan to spend this day celebrating the beauty of spring and the joy
of serving a God who loves us and chooses to reveal himself and his will to us –
asking him to show me new ways to be his salt
and light in the world.
Have a
happy May Day!
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