Just that morning we talked, the children and I, about what they would be for Halloween. They answer and I ask them why. Why do you want to be Captain America? The little voice says..."he has super powers". Every year the tradition continues. Parents begin asking their little ones, "What do you want to be for Halloween?" They give the answers and I am not surprised by what they choose. Why not be a bug that can fly, or a girl who rides a pony? What fun it would be to have big green muscles or a queen's crown.
Maybe we should try to make everyday a little like Halloween. Each day as we get ready putting on a costume that we never have to take off. Learning to love and live just like the one we are supposed to be like. I ask the kids that morning..."could we use every other day of the year to be like Jesus?" I think about this more throughout the day. Its not a bad idea really to put on Christ.
As we leave the little one I call HayHay...she smiles with that twinkle in her eye and leans over. She whispers quietly so that others don't hear because she likes for her costumes to be a surprise.
"You gave me a great idea for next year."
I don't want to wait until next year. Today is the day a time to dress up and so I will. Don't worry you won't see me dressed in robes and sandals. The scriptures are clear on how we are to dress...
"Since God chose you be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience."--Col 3: 12
"You should clothe yourselves instead with the beauty that comes from within, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is so precious to God."--1 Peter 3: 4
"Instead, clothe yourself with the presence of the Lord Jesus Christ..."--Romans 13: 14
Children all over town will be dressed up this evening. Running from door to door for the blessing of candy. The ones inside they smile as they open doors and hand out the blessing. Later homes will be filled with containers full of goodies that will last a few weeks. Parents allowing the children to savor the sweetness and save the rest. In a few weeks someone will reach into the container and take the last bit.
And I realize that being clothed in Christ has many blessings too. An endless supply of joy and peace...patience and kindness that in him is never used up. Something we can celebrate everyday!
