The month of May hosts nearly 100 designations of special days, weeks, or month-long advocacy. May is National Smile Month; Jewish American Heritage Month; Correct Your Posture Month; National Asparagus, Strawberry, Salsa, Salad Month; National Moving Month; National Chamber Music month; and even Zombi Awareness Month!
(Want more? Follow this link. goodgoodgood.co/articles/may-awareness-days-months)
I feel a strong level of certainty that Solomon did not have in mind such “month of” designations when he wrote, “For everything there is a season, a time for every activity under heaven.” {See Ecclesiastes 3: 1 – 8}
The third King of Israel penned those eight verses to contain 14 couplets. Most of them represent major bookends of life. Except for the first stanza (2a) all the lines display human agency, capacity for decision, and certainty of consequence. Many of the 14 lines signify moments where life pivots, fortunes change, prospects improve or crash.
We’ve all known a few such pivot points. It seems as if the tectonic plates of our life shift and things get shaken – for good or ill. Such tectonic moments often define our life – or at least define the next season. When tectonic adjustments touch our lives, (and they will!) we honor Jesus most when we ask and wisely answer healthy questions.
For me, “why” questions often posture me toward self-doubt, self-pity, unprofitable self-talk, and (if left unchecked) angry bitterness. Those results give me reasons enough to steer clear of “why” type questions! Conversely, “what, when, and how” questions aim me more effectively toward hope, options, and solutioning. (Yes, that’s a proper word.)
- Lord, what step shall I take now, considering this turn of events?
- Jesus, even in this unwelcomed, unexpected, pressurized moment, how may I best reflect your presence and character?
- Master, I had not anticipated this financial windfall. Therefore, how, where, and when may I better support your Kingdom agenda?
As another May unfolds, matures, and then melts into June, I hope you and I experience some new adventures, make some new memories, and advocate for something eternally worthy of the godly life He has helped us build.
What do you commemorate, designate, or advocate for in May? Please share it with me: [email protected]
Go Valor!
Dr. Terry L. Yancey
EU Alumni Pastor & Ministry Training Advocate