Gratitude Day 262

Wed., May 1, 2019

1 Peter 4:10 – Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.

I’m dating myself today. Really dating myself. I’m remembering a tradition from decades ago … May baskets.

Growing up, our 4-H club made May baskets for elderly people in our neighborhood. For those of you too young to know what a May basket is, let me explain.

We made little “baskets”, aka, paper cones, out of sturdy paper. Then, we filled them with candy or other little treats. On May 1^st, we delivered them to people anonymously. The “baskets” had a handle, usually made from a pipe cleaner. This allowed the basket to be hung over a door handle. The goal was to leave the basket without the recipient knowing who dropped it off. While dropping off the basket, you might ring the doorbell and sprint away before the recipient would see you.

Why did we deliver May baskets? It was a fun activity as spring arrives. After a long winter, it was a way to usher in the promise of warmer days and green grass and the beautiful flowers of May. It was also a way to remind someone that others remember them after a long winter.

Most importantly, it’s just a fun way to serve someone else. Wash their feet. Give them a little treat which says, “you are special” and “someone thought of you today.”

OK, I realize today is May 1^st. And most of us don’t have May baskets made. Yet, we still have the opportunity to do something special for someone. Serve someone else. Remind them that they are special.

Whose feet can you wash today? Who might you serve and in doing so, say, “You are special”?

For traditions that never grow old, I am grateful.

Holy God – as we celebrate spring and green grass and new flowers, may we pause and discover someone that we can serve and deem as special today. Thank you for always considering us special. May we pass along this to someone else today. Amen.

Blessings –

Dianne

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