A lady recently being baptized was asked by a co-worker what it was like to be a Christian. She replied, "It's like being a pumpkin: God picks you from the patch, brings you in, and washes all the dirt off you may have gotten from the other pumpkins. Then he cuts the top off and scoops out all the yucky stuff. He removes the seeds of doubt, hate, greed, etc. Then He carves you a new smiling face and puts His light inside of you to shine for all the world to see."
Our kids and I were discussing this story as we carved pumpkins over the weekend. What a wonderful way to describe what it is to be a Christian. If you have ever carved/hulled out a pumpkin, you realize what a difficult task that can be. How they ever get the pumpkin you buy in a can out of the mess that is inside a pumpkin is beyond me! Also, our friend Kitty taught us a WONDERFUL trick. Sprinkle nutmeg and cinnamon on the "lid" of the pumpkin before putting it back on. The warmth of the candle inside makes it smell great!
We are looking forward to spending time with friends tonight grilling hot dogs, trick or treating and visiting our local nursing home to spread some cheer with the residents there.
May God bless you and carve a beautiful smiling pumpkin in your life!
