In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven. -Matthew 5:16 (NIV)

Each year, at least once during the month of October, I receive an email forward that tells the story about how being a Christian is much like being a pumpkin.  Reading it always reminds me to try to slow down and view the entire holiday season through the eyes of a child.  After all, we are all children of God, and much of the child-like wonder and magic of the holidays get lost somewhere in a sea of to-do lists.  If you have never seen the email, the story goes like this ...

Being a Christian is much like being a pumpkin.  God lifts you up, takes you in, and washes all the dirt off of you.  He opens you up, touches you deep inside, and scoops out all the yucky stuff -- including the seeds of doubt, hate, and greed.  God then carves you a new smiling face and puts the light of Christ inside you to shine for the whole world to see. 
 
Simple enough for a youngster to understand, but an applicable reminder even to adults!  This was passed on to me from another pumpkin.   Now, it is your turn to pass it to a pumpkin.  I liked this enough to send it to all the pumpkins in my patch!

Prayer for Today

Today's prayer is one that you can recite with your children or grandchildren as you carve your pumpkin this year.
 
Dear God, as I carve my pumpkin, hear my prayer:

Open my mind so I can learn about you;
(cut the top of the pumpkin)

Take away all my sin and forgive me for the wrong things I do;
(clean out the inside)

Open my eyes so your love I will see;
(cut the eyes out in heart shapes)

I'm so sorry for turning up my nose to all you've provided for me;
(cut a nose in the shape of a cross)

Open my ears so your Word I will hear;
(cut the ears shaped like a Bible)

Open my mouth so I can tell others about Jesus;
(cut the mouth in the shape of a fish)
 
Let your light shine in all that I say and do!  Amen.
(place a candle inside your pumpkin and light it)