Pumpkin Prayer

Fall is here...I love Fall. It is my favorite season but I long to travel this time of year to see the change of season and change of weather. I live in South. Ca and it just isn't Fallish enough for me. In the past few weeks while visiting my neighbors in the blogosphere, I have noticed chit chat about what traditions to hold as Christians during the month of October. We as a family do talk about what the difference is between Halloween and celebrating a season of harvest. We do go out on Halloween but usually attend one of the local church fairs on Halloween evening . We haven't carved pumpkins yet because that meaning just really bothers me. My daughter is getting to the age where she notices what others are doing. While we do want to teach her the concept that she doesn't need to do what everyone else is doing;we also use all the opportunities we can to have teachable moments. I found this poem over at Maya's Mom. What a beautiful way to celebrate the season, to be a light to the neighbors, to join in on the fun and celebration within your community while bringing with you to the party, a very different message.

The Pumpkin Prayer:
Dear God,
As I carve my pumpkin, help me say this 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 eyes shaped like hearts)

I'm sorry for turning up my nose to all You've given me. (cut a nose in the shape of a cross)

Open my ears so Your Word I will hear. (cut ears shaped like a Bible)

Open my mouth so I can tell others You are near. (cut the mouth in the shape of a fish)

Let your light shine in all I say and do! Amen. (place a candle inside and light it)