Halloween Shmalloween...blah blah blah

I hate Halloween. Like really hate. I realize that's a strong word. And since I suppose I can't put a day where children dress up and beg for candy in the same category as world hunger, I'll just say that I really really really dislike this day. It is the worst day of the entire. year. I've never really cared for a holiday that celebrates darkness and the spookier side of life. It's not very fun to be afraid. I struggle with fear enough in my life. I'd rather not go out of my way to create things to be afraid of. Enough of that exists as it is. I really began to understand what we are up against in this world three years ago today. It was Halloween of 2006 that I began to slip into a very dark, painful time in my life. I encountered fear in a way I didn't know possible. I prayed and prayed and prayed. I saturated myself in scripture. And still I fumbled around in the darkness, unable to discern darkness from light. But I suppose Halloween isn't all bad. Because every year on Halloween, I remember that I was delivered. I remember how Christ has won the victory, long before the battle even begins. I remember His provision, and how even in the darkest of my days, He was right along side me, working all things together for good (see Romans 8:28) in a way I could have never even imagined. Two years ago today Kyle drove to Dallas. Not to see me, though. In fact, I didn't even know he was here. I was going about another Wednesday of graduate classes, trying my best to "skip" Halloween entirely. That day in Dallas, Kyle asked my Dad for his blessing and permission to ask me to be his wife. And then he bought me the most beautiful diamond ring I have ever seen. Two days later, on November 2, 2007, Kyle came to Dallas again. I finished a long day of school and headed to my future sister-in-law, Rachel's house to catch up and get some Sushi. (This wasn't unusual at all, we often went to movies or dinner together when Kyle and I were dating). But alas, Rachel wasn't at her house. Kyle was. In a exquisitely decorated room, Kyle asked me to be his wife forever. He washed my feet, as Jesus did the disciples, as a sign of humility and service. So if I'm honest I guess this day has it's redeeming qualities. Why should I be surprised? One of my favorite promises in the Bible is found in Joel 2:25: "I will repay you for the years the locusts have eaten...." It's even better when you read the context of what has happened to the Israelites at this time. What does that verse mean to you? How has God given you back time you thought you had lost? Don't worry, I'm not a total Ebeneezer Scrooge (errr.....or the Halloween equivalent). Yes, I handed out candy to the 50+ children that came to our door tonight saying, "Twick or Tweet?". And yes, I loved every minute. Too cute for words. I especially appreciated the little boy who told Kyle, "you have a very pretty house," and the little girl who was barely old enough to walk but blew me a kiss after I gave her candy. Just some thoughts on Halloween. :-)