I have mixed feelings about this day, both love and hate. I hate Halloween, mostly because I don’t like anything remotely evil – I don’t like scary movies, I don’t like to be scared, and for the most part, that’s what this day is all about!
Most people will be getting their costumes ready (some are sweet and oh so cute, while others are just plain ole wicked scary!) I don’t abstain from all the activities – I will have my candy bowls stocked and overflowing (I’m a chocolate lover and will always purchase and consume more candy than I should), while I’ll be perched on the front porch passing out Skittles and M&Ms, ooh-ing and ah-ing at all the cute kids running around.
At the same time, I love this day because, 30 years ago, I went into labor with my first born daughter. Full disclosure, I did not know whether we were having a boy or a girl until she arrived perfectly healthy in our arms. I can remember it like it was yesterday. A beautiful, quiet fall morning when things suddenly shifted and my labor pains started to get closer and closer. I remember picking up the vacuum cleaner, thinking that would take away some of the pain, but would soon find myself doubled over calling my husband and telling him, “It’s time…BUT I am not having this baby on Halloween!”
We arrived at the hospital around 10 am, and my doctor informed me that we would indeed be having this baby by noon. I distinctly remember telling him (through pants and pains) that this baby would not be delivered on Halloween…and I was sure of that!
Everything my husband and I learned at the famous lamaze class flew out the window, and sharp pains continued to interrupt my breathing. My husband dug deep into his memory about the class and would ask questions like, “Well, how bad are the pains right now? Like when I bend over and try to touch my toes, it hurts pretty badly, is that how they feel?” Daggers from my eyes told him otherwise and he tried to find other ways to help ease the pain.
I can’t remember much after the epidural set in, which slowed the labor pains. I do remember praying for [her] to stay in until just after midnight! I think my precious doctor was amazed that my prayers came true and about 12:09am, a beautiful baby girl entered this world! It was All Saints Day – a beautiful, perfect gift of life.
So, I hope that today, you will taste and see the goodness of God in your life wherever you are. And, as Romans 12:9 tells us, “hate what is evil and cling to what is good”…today and always!
Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in him.
