When I was growing up, I somehow stumbled upon the tradition, really more of a superstition, of saying "Rabbit, Rabbit", aloud just before going to bed on the last day of the month, and then saying it again first thing upon waking up on the first day of the new month. As the superstition goes, doing this will ensure good fortune for the entire month. Years ago, I would leave myself little notes to remember, but it's engrained now, and somehow, my mind just remembers to do this, more often than not. To avoid any disappointment you may feel as you read this mid-morning on May 1, too late to try it this month, I will offer full disclosure: I have never actually noticed any difference between the months I say, "Rabbit, Rabbit" and the ones I have not. But I do feel secretly pleased with myself when I remember, so maybe that counts for something? 

Little rituals like this have a way of sticking. Maybe because they give us a small sense of control in a world that is largely beyond our control. Or maybe because, somewhere deep down, we still half-believe that life might be somehow keeping score, and if we just present the right offering, we can tilt things a little bit in our favor. Superstitions can feel almost like a small bargain with uncertainty or fear: I’ll do this, and maybe the universe will do that.

I think it can be easy to consider faith like that, sometimes. If I go to church, then God will_____ If I pray just the right prayer, God will_____. 

That would be easier, wouldn't it? It would at least help us know what to do when things aren't going as we'd like them to go. But, I'm pretty sure God is not actually a cosmic vending machine or a keeper of hidden rules waiting to trip us up. God is connection. God is deep peace. God is the essence of goodness that meets us whether we remembered the right words or not. Goodness all around us, whether the month begins with a secret handshake or just like any other morning. I think the real invitation might be to wake up on any day of any month and just notice with gratitude: I am here. I am held in love. I am part of something good and called to be present to that goodness in everything I do. 

My prayer for you this week is to wake up each morning with the knowledge that you are wrapped in all the goodness the world has to offer - no strings attached. Happy May Day!

Blessings,
Jennifer