We did participate in some terrific alternative activities. The church we attended when the kids were young had a very cool fall fun night. The church was located in a rural area just outside of town with lots of space and away from traffic (that was important for the large number of little tykes running around). The evening began with a big campfire and a lot of long sticks for roasting hot dogs and marshmallows. People brought picnic-type sides, hot cider, and lawn chairs and enjoyed a wonderful outdoor feast with tube steaks.
One of the men who lived nearby would bring his tractor and wagon for hayrides—shorter, gentler rides for the little ones, and then faster, bumpier ones for the teens and pre-teens who longed for adventure. The nearby roads and fields often had potholes and rough surfaces which made the wagon bounce just enough to cause squeals and laughter from the passengers.
If there was a guitar player there, we would sit around the fire and sing songs and enjoy the beautiful fall weather (most years). There was usually a volleyball net set up under the lights for as many as wanted to play (not regulation, of course) and the playground was filled with happy sounds until someone scraped their knee. A quick kiss and they were off again.
The evening ended with passing out large candy treat bags to all the kids. We did not know in those days about the “trunk and treat” process that several churches are now holding where candy supplies are put in the trunks of the cars present and the kids move from trunk to trunk for a treat rather than between unknown houses (why didn't we think of that?)
I miss those days. Were they as perfect and picturesque as I remember? Probably not! But they were fun times. They were times of laughing, playing, and eating too many sweets, yet without planting fear and ugliness in the minds of our kids. So, did my kids go see horror movies later when they were out of my reach? Probably! But not on my watch!
I know it’s neither politically correct nor popular to be against anything (except Christianity) today, but I don’t think light and darkness have a middle ground. The way I understand it, darkness is the absence of light.
2 Corinthians 6:14-16 (The Message) “How can you make a partnership out of right and wrong? That's not partnership; that's war. Is light best friends with dark? Does Christ go strolling with the Devil? Do trust and mistrust hold hands? Who would think of setting up pagan idols in God's holy Temple? But that is exactly what we are, each of us is a temple in whom God lives.”
Just one more day and October will be over. Perhaps sinuses and allergies will clear up, decorations of fear will be put away, the rain may give the farmers a break, and the holiday focus will turn to “Thanksgiving.” Now that’s a holiday I can really get behind!
♫ This little light of mine
I’m gonna’ let it shine. . .
No comments:
Post a Comment