Why we had a party on the devil's holiday.

For the record, Alissa and I aren't halloween enthusiasts.  I grew up in pastor's home and I knew better than to enjoy the evil celebration that people in church called: "The devil's holiday."  So we, kind of, felt like failures as parent's when Elleyana decided that halloween was her favorite holiday.  "Isn't Easter better Elle... what about Christmas?"  All Elle knows is that she gets to play dress up with the whole world, and get's tons of candy - what more would a little girl ask for?

So... why did we have games, and decorate our cars, and give a way candy on this particular holiday?  

Because I'm tired of not knowing my neighbors.   Sick of it really.

When I grew up I loved going to others people houses, and when people came to ours for dinner, or games, or roasting marshmallows, or whatever.  Being a part of community that has fun, and spends time together, and REALLY knows each other is wonderful.

I'm not talking about the kind of community where everyone is nice, and waves, and occasionally talks about the weather.   I'm talking about a community where people actually know each other, and what is happening in each other's lives.  Where, if someone needs a hand they know and trust each other well enough to be able to ask for help without it feeling weird.

It seems like the families in our communities are growing more isolated and competitive.  Instead of looking out for our neighbors, we spend too much time comparing our houses, and cars, and kids.   We are growing more competitive and less cooperative; and I'm tired of it.

Families all around us are hurting, but they don't have anyone to really turn to, because they don't have a deep enough relationship with anyone.  They don't want to ask for help, because then they have to admit that things aren't
perfect.   WE NEED TO CHANGE THIS!

So what did I decide to do?  I decided that at the first opportunity we would do something fun to bless our neighbors.  It just so happened that the first opportunity is a day in October were people dress funny and pass out candy.

 As the church, we are supposed to be the light of the world; a light in dark places.  Do I feel guilty about having fun on "the devil's holiday?"  NO!   I will use any and every excuse I can to share Christ's love with everyone I can - and at the same time we can build community where we have fun and get to really know our neighbors.

Feel free to join in.