Last week was Halloween. And all the well-meaning, responsible adults who were premiering for "Parent of the Year" honors took time to instill two very important principles into their little costumed heroes, princesses, and zombies.
The night was adorned by little minions dressed in fine apparel running through neighborhoods collecting candy in their pumpkins, plastic bags, or pillow cases. And our words to them as they stepped off the edge of our flat-bed trailer hay ride or out of the side door of our mini van, "Don't forget to say thank you!"
I love what comedian Bob Smiley said about trick-or-treating. "I use this holiday as an opportunity to teach my kids about the government collections agency. When they come home, I take 50%. But just in case you think that's unfair, I am providing free healthcare."
Then, there's this other rule, sometimes spoken and other times assumed, "Don't take candy from strangers!" This reminds me of the Saturday Night Live skit with Edward Norton about the police officer making a school visit to teach proper trick-or-treat etiquette.
But why is it so essential to instill these two ideals; to say thank you and don't talk to strangers?
There's something inside of me that feels like I should violate the premise of both of these principles. That I should learn to be a giver more than a taker. That my vocabulary should include "you're welcome" more often than "thank you." That talking to strangers in an effort to close gaps and build bridges is more beneficial than staring awkwardly at people who don't look, act, or dress like me.
I'm a parent so I totally understand the need to provide safety and security for our children. So, I am not saying we send them out into a world full of wolves unguarded or unaware. But what I am saying is that it is my responsibility to teach my child to reflect the character of Jesus. That by serving others we want to see people from all walks of life connect to life in Christ.
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