Going from four distinct seasons (summer, fall, winter, spring) to two similar seasons (hot and really hot) has been interesting for me. In effort to remember that we are in the time of year I’ve always referred to as “Fall,” I decided to take on some cooking projects today: pea soup, squash dessert (think pumpkin), and eggnog (sorry, I didn’t even think to take pictures!). Somehow, though, even amidst those familiar smells and flavors I forgot that today was Halloween.
…until Jef suggested we pray. As I re-heated leftover soup and rice for the three of us after watching Three Stooges, his suggestion to pray caught me a little bit by surprise. He, Eylich, and I have prayed together several times in our meetings the past couple of weeks, but it was the first time that he had suggested it. He reminded me that it was Halloween – which, in my limited understanding, has spiritual implications on a different level here than I’ve observed in my home town.
I turned off the stove and sat down, and Jef began to pray. After a few minutes, I suggested we prayerwalk the neighborhood. As we walked the length of the main street (the one I live on) we prayed and sang quietly. It was an unforgettable time of recognizing the authority we have and of seeing our neighborhood in a new way.
We got back to the house about 45 minutes later, ate, and shared. It is so exciting to me to hear what God is stirring and doing in their hearts… and humbling to see what He’s doing in mine. There is much left to do – but bit by bit, He shows us what obedience means for us on a daily basis. My heart is overjoyed by the fruit I’m seeing. I’m very grateful. I’ve never had a Halloween like this one, and it was most definitely unforgettable.