A Pumpkin Parable
We set out on our quest with the sun at our backs and our hearts full of hope. It reads like the beginning of an epic novel- but it’s the tale of our pumpkin hunt.
Like in the Peanuts Classic “It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown” – we set out each year to find “The most sincere” pumpkin patch. As we live in the suburbs outside of Detroit- some years the most “sincere patch” we can find is at the neighborhood farm market, or grocery store. This year we scored big time. There were actual vines and dirt and weeds and pumpkin blossoms. A real live farm.
We were sure we’d have no problem finding just the right pumpkins. My husband pulled the wagon- the teenagers led the way- the youngest bounded through the pumpkin patch like a labrador retriever after sticks. He hopped from one pumpkin to the next declaring each one “perfect” before trying to haul them into the wagon. ALL OF THEM. “Just one, Noah, one pumpkin, each” We said , over and over. Pumpkins were chosen and un-chosen. He finally settled on a nice, smallish, round , white one.
The older two weren’t so easy to please. There was much examination and thumping of pumpkins. I’m sure there was kicking and examining rotted pumpkins for who knows what. There was probaby punkin’ chunkin’ while my back was turned. Mike,(my oldest) finally settled on a tall pumpkin. Matt- my middle son eventually found a “classic round”. My husband found his traditional- big and lopsided- while I found something in the white and round yet elegant category;)
When we got home- we set up our hale bales, then carefully arranged our chosen pumpkins. I stood back and looked at the menagerie. Each pumpkin was different. A different shape, a different size, a different color. But still- pumpkins. Each one chosen.
When I go to church- or I visit blogs or neighbors and friends- I see a menagerie as well. So many different kinds of people are Christians. So many variations on a theme. Tall Christians, loud Christians, quiet Christians, knitting ones, tatooed ones. There are Christians who worship noisily and those who worship reflectively.
Jesus, crucified, risen and glorified is what makes us unified. We’re all pumpkins- chosen by him- to light the world. Yet- we’re also very different. Like the pumpkins on my porch. How we serve God on Halloween, is just one of the ways we differ.
Some have their porch-lights on for Halloween and they serve up king sized candy bars- to the glory of Jesus Christ. They take what the world gives and use it as an opportunity to share God’s love.
Others offer a witness of another sort to their neighbors. Their lights remain off- but their hearts are full of love for God and their neighbors. They have a ready reason and are quick to share about why they are different. They also- bring glory to Jesus.
This Halloween- how will you and your family serve God? If you offer treats- will you have the courage to also offer the love of God? How will you do that?
If you don’t offer treats- will you share your reason? Will you share the love God has given you in some other way to your neighbors? How will you do that?
I think it would be interesting- to open up the comments- to hear ideas of how you’ll be sharing God’s love during a rather dark season.
Please share some of your ideas- but- please be respectful- I’m not asking for “sides of an argument” I’m asking what God has called you to do;) There will be readers here serving God with very different perspectives than yours. Remember we’re all pumpkins;) K?
As you’re praying and deciding what you’ll be doing on the 31st- this scripture is a good place to start- examining yourself and seeking Him.
Psalm 139:11-14
If I say, “Surely the darkness will hide me
and the light become night around me,”even the darkness will not be dark to you;
the night will shine like the day,
for darkness is as light to you.For you created my inmost being;
you knit me together in my mother’s womb.I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
your works are wonderful,
I know that full well.
This was really good!! Our family allows our children to trick or treat and get fun costumes (things they can play in after halloween is over – this year – Power Rangers). But we don’t decorate or make a big deal out of it. No witches, ghosts, etc..allowed. I haven’t really thought of giving something to the children who come to our home but that is a good idea! Maybe even if it is a simple invitation to our church or for younger kids to Awana. That would be a great time to invite the neighborhood – and have fun doing it!!
Ok. So I’ve never done the Halloween thing.My family didn’t allow and as an adult, I just never was into it (except the candy – i LOVE the candy). But now, since I’m having to start thinking like a mom – and to children who’ve always done halloween, i’m not so sure. I’d probably do the trick-or-treat thing w/them and find some way to incorporate Christ into the whole experience.. I dunno… gimme ideas – I’ll be back to read and to learn some things seriously…
What a lovely picture you paint; how each of us is unique and yet chosen to glorify Him. I have a problem with anything that even hints of evil – so no ghosts or witches around our house. My daughter, at 6, has already had to stand up for her beliefs in school and I’m so proud of her courage. We do allow our kids to dress up appropriately and enjoy the candy and fun within our guidelines. It’s so important to have fun while staying within godly guidelines.
What a beautiful picture you paint with you words…
Thanks for sharing
This is such a beautiful illustration Tracey.
Tracey,
You are good. I was going to post something just like this on the 31st, my date to post. I may continue on here. I know this is a volitile issue and many Christians are confused about how to deal with it. Thank you for taking time to bring it up.
I will join in again on the 31st. Love you, Lynn
I think that is a great thing to consider – give candy and share His love with the world. I always tell others that I do not ‘celebrate’ Halloween, because of my belief. My co-workers have thus far respected it…It is always a great topic starter though 🙂
Thank you so much for sharing – from one pumpkin to the other 🙂
I have never thought about Halloween like that. Wonderful illustration !!! My daughter wanted me to explain to her what Halloween was all about and now I can give a little insight (Jesus style). Thank you so much for sharing this entry.