why not share love?

May Day, throughout the years, has meant different things to different people.  It originated in Europe as a celebration of the coming of Spring and the appearance of "new life."  Celebrations featuring dances "around the May pole" were common.  In this country May 1 soon became associated with the American Labor movement with appeals for fair policies for workers (like an 8 hour work day).  Today, for some, it has become a day for rallies and protests against various national policies - unfortunately at some of these, unkind (even hateful and violent) language is used thus heightening the political tension we now see in our country.  But for at least two people I know (my wife and her sister Katie), May Day presents a much different type of opportunity:  It has become, for them, a day to share love.

I'm not sure how this tradition started with them; but for years, on May 1st, my wife has prepared small baskets (cups) of flowers with an uplifting Bible verse or expression of love.  This year's cup featured a picture of a bunny coupled with the words, "Some Bunny Loves You!"  These are then taken to the homes of people she feels might benefit from a small act of love.  These people are sometimes shut-ins, sometimes nursing home residents, sometimes people who have recently lost loved ones.  Time will not allow her to prepare as many as she would like; but she tries to discern who might most benefit from a "love note" each year.  Her usual tradition is to place these on door handles, ring the door bell, then run and drive away.  The giver of the "love note" is supposed to be a secret, but at this point most every one knows who it is from.  This year Kristi was attending our grandson's soccer game so she prepared the "flower cups" last night and I had the privilege of delivering them this morning.  About half way through my deliveries I received a phone call from her sister Katie; she and her husband were in the process of delivering their "May flowers" as well.

I am certainly not against rallies, debates, even protests, to help address needed changes in policies and business practices in our country.  I am against much of the anger and hate speech which seems so common today.  But I am also aware that respectful/thoughtful discussion and debate can be a good thing.  But as I drove from home to home, making my deliveries and listening to the (often disturbing) news on the radio; I thought to myself, "Why not just let this be a day to share love?"  Would it really be a terrible thing if more people shared with a friend secret words of encouragement and love?  Personally I think a little more "giving of flowers" and a little less "hostile speech" would be a good thing for us all.

Hope all can share and experience love on this Beautiful May 1!