Happy days!

There are as many opinions on Halloween as there are costumes these days. Some have resorted to calling it "Harvest Festival" time, to which I personally have no objection. But if one studied the history of the night, actually calling it "Halloween" in no way should offend the Christian faith. It originated from the term "Hallowed Eve" preceding "All Saints Day" and emphasized prayer. There was much belief in actual "spirits" (of the dead) in those days, so the pagans decided to "dress up" and invade the prayer services disguised as departed spirits. I actually think that should be a good commentary on the power of prayer...it bugged those pagans so badly, they had to find a diversion! Anyway, be it as it may, what has come of all of that should now be a day of fun and an opportunity to rethink our fears, including those from our childhoods.

As you can see, we use the opportunity to dress up in silly costumes and meet the neighbors. I found it quite nice to meet the people who live next door to my daughter, and a lot of others in the neighborhood too. The simplicity of childhood comes out on Halloween. Fathers and grandfathers roamed the streets along with the moms and grandmas OR manned the door dressed in all kinds of disguises, including my husband! Neighbors trusted neighbors to watch their kids and to give them goodies untainted. Some definite opportunities for on-going friendships were established amidst the super heroes and princesses on the street!

But the real saints of today...are the parents (and neighbors) who sigh and remember that the reason the kids are racing through the yards and houses, and can't seem to sit quietly all weekend, is the untainted goodies so freely given! Yes, it takes patience and understanding and teachings on self-control, and efforts to monitor the "stashes"...but it is all worth it to see their smiling faces and know that your kids are not worse or better than the neighbors, just as full of sugar as everyone else! And that can make you a saint in some people's estimation!

Pictures are of me, my grandchildren and the neighborhood kids (and some church friends too!)And Grandpa too!