I've been reflecting on how May is a month of mixtures! We have a very obvious mixture of the weather. The days are either hot and sunny or rainy and windy. Because of the rain, the grass that's been a crunchy brown sleeping dormant all winter is now a brilliant, lush green. The flowers are in full bloom. The vegetables are growing! Spring is here!
May is also filled with a mixture of events. Some bring forth joyful emotions; yet, others may stir up sad feelings. This month is chosen by many engaged couples to be a lovely time for weddings. Other joyous celebrations include recitals, graduations, and end-of-year socials. We truly embrace the joy-filled gatherings because daily life is pretty predictable, and this adds a well-received sweetness to our month. However, we might feel some sadness after some of these events.
A son or daughter's wedding reminds us that the present relationship we have with them is about to change. Those end-of-year high school events might mean you won't see most of those kids ever again (or at least until your 5-year reunion). As your 5-year-old graduates from Kindergarten, this might mean they will be gone most of the week next fall. I know some of you are cheering right now, but others, maybe not.
I am so thankful that Our Precious Father understands the mixture of emotions that we may be feeling this month, since he created those emotions.
Ecclesiastes 3 speaks to the mixtures in life:
"For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven: A time to be born, and a time to die; A time to plant and a time to pluck up what is planted; A time to weep, and a time to laugh; A time to mourn, and a time to dance; A time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing; A time to seek, and a time to lose; A time to keep, and a time to cast away."
Some of us have experienced a loved one dying recently. That involved weeping and mourning. Others have celebrated the birth of a child or grandchild. With that, we have danced, laughed, and embraced. As much as we wish every day would hold the most celebratory moments, our lives are a mixture of emotion-filled thoughts and feelings. One is not better than another; each day is to be received as a gift from the Lord. His grace is sufficient for all of our days.
Psalm 139:16 says:
"Your eyes saw me when I was formless; all my days were written in your book and planned before a single one of them began." (CSB)
Does knowing this bring a greater acceptance of what's going on right now in your life? We can trust the one who ordained each one of our days.
When our youngest was about to get married, my husband and I gathered for one last breakfast together. We knew those long conversations around the kitchen table were about to end. We shared our most vulnerable feelings that morning, embraced, cried, and thanked the Lord for the beautiful celebration that was 2 days away! The Lord brought to mind how I had prayed (since the womb) for our son to meet a sweet Jesus-loving young lady someday. Even though I had many mixed emotions that morning, gratefulness for his faithfulness was my deepest feeling!
Whether you're rejoicing, weeping, or experiencing a mixture of emotions this month, I pray you will see the Lord's hand in each moment of May. Remember through it all how faithful the Lord is in every season of life!
A Prayer
Father, would you meet me in the mixed emotions I'm feeling right now? As much as I wish this month was filled only with moments of joy, would you pour out your grace on me as I experience each piece of May? I release my family to you, my celebrations to you, my painful parts of life to you. Thank you that you will sustain me through it all. Thank you that I can draw near to your throne of grace where I can find mercy and grace to help me in my time of need (Hebrews 4:16 ESV). For the celebrations, the difficult moments, and everything in between, would you remind me that you are the author of all things, of every day, of each season of my life. Thank you for your faithfulness and for being the Creator of my emotions. I love you, Father, and I trust you with all of this. May I walk through this beautiful month, bringing glory to your holy name. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.
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