Welcome to the merry month of May.

Welcome to the merry month of May. Our memories of April include a small sampling of Spring warmth, a lotta rain and a fair amount of left-over winter chill. But all is well – the world has turned green and the trees are in blossom. We’re ready for May!
The other day this writer happened to pause from chores to steal a look out the window. There, out on the lawn, were four wild turkeys – three toms, and one hen. The hen was happily pecking at spilled birdseed from the feeder overhead. The toms, about twenty feet away, were bunched together in a loose triangle, brushing against one another as they strutted around, tails fully fanned out, wings dragging and heads colorfully shining with bright red, white and blues. A look at any one of the toms said that each was convinced he was the most magnificent creature in the whole world. Definitely the best choice for the hen. In the meantime, the hen was totally ignoring the entire show. I just had to laugh out loud.
Now, those of our congregation who live in Pennsylvania have just endured an overdose of election-time politics, - those living in New Jersey have their own season. Can you see any resemblance of the self-absorbed tom turkey out on the lawn to the strutting self-confident politician on the campaign trail who’s convinced that he/she is definitely your best choice? One wonders how many of us are like that hen trying to ignore all the fluff that campaign promises amount to. We cynically chuckle as we watch and hear how wonderful they think they are.
Over the millennia, mankind has had to endure the egos of those who feel they have the answer for whatever we need. Some have been helpful, some a disaster. (Aristotle, Columbus, Hitler, Salk come to mind). A narrowing focus, pride, need for attention and, for some, the addiction of power can blind some to the miracles that surround us.
Whatever amazing contribution we will make to this world, when we contemplate the vast and complex universe around us, we’re brought to a humbling conclusion: there is a Power and a Wisdom around us and above us that is greater than any that could be contained within a single individual, even a political candidate or a tom turkey. One sure cure, and a sure way to introduce a bit of humility is to meditate on the Word. Yes, we all know people, public and private, who think more highly of themselves than is truth. Handle them carefully, and gently – they need to know Jesus.
Spread the Word and enjoy this month. Virginia

“Consider how the lilies grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you, not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these.”
Luke 12:27