Signs and Seasons

Today is May 1, the astronomical first day of summer. It's also full moon tonight. It's a magical day filled with all the hope and promise of a new season.

I think it's important to pay attention to the changing night sky and revolving seasons. It puts us in touch with the wonder of this amazing world. We become more aligned with the direction God gives us each day.

Genesis 1:14 says, "Then God said, 'Let there be lights in the firmament of the heavens to divide the day from the night; and let them be for signs and seasons, and for days and years.'"

Some old timers in the Appalachian Mountains where I live take that verse seriously. Not only would they know that today is May Day and Full Moon but they'd also know by the "signs" of the moon and stars exactly the right days to plant and harvest, to butcher and to wean, to prune or shear. Their knowledge gave them a rhythm that matched them with nature's changing landscape. And most report that such a connection led to an even deeper relationship with the God of those "signs and seasons."