Halloween Night

Last Friday night was Trick or Treat in our neighborhood. My kids got dressed up and my wife took them out to walk the neighborhood and get candy (more candy than anyone needs). I stayed home to give out the candy.

A few weeks ago I wrote a blog relating to the fact and desire to bless people in the neighborhood as they come to our house. Kim and I decided to try something to share not only candy with kids, but give something for the adults who were taking their kids around. Friday night I set up a table on our driveway, put the candy in a bowl, and put out a crockpot full of hot apple cider with cinnamon sticks. When the kids would come, I would give them the candy, and ask the adults if they would like a hot apple cider drink. Not everyone took one, but we did run out of all the cider (at least 1 gallon).

I could tell stories about people sharing their feelings about how we blessed them (a neighbor who was cold and said, "You are a lifesaver" - to another who introduced themselves by name and shook my hand). I could say that it was an amazing life transforming night...but the reality was is that it was a little tiny step in trying to make the kingdom a little more tangible in my neighborhood.

My prayer is that simple act of giving out cider will open up opportunities for deeper relationship with neighbors, opportunities to have people over for dessert and conversation, opportunities to know others and be known by others. We'll see what happens over the next few weeks and to see if it does open up avenues for relationships.

I am beginning to wonder what our next "blessing" opportunity in our neighborhood could be. Could we hold a neighborhood Christmas party? A Thanksgiving related activity? I will continue to think about this and pray about it.