by Joanie Butman
Halloween has always been one of my favorite holidays. Perhaps it’s because I get to be someone else for a day – a mini vacation from my own neuroses. For the annual party at my mom’s assistant living facility she dressed as a nun, and I accompanied her as the Holy Ghost. After all, the nuns were constantly reminding us to “leave room for the Holy Ghost” when we were dancing with boys though I didn’t see much evidence of the fruits of the Spirit in their dealings with us. Then again, each classroom had 50+ students to only one nun. No wonder they were cranky and iron-fisted. No one came through unscathed, including the nuns.
Even though we scoffed at their admonition, it’s excellent advice – not necessarily for dancing but definitely for life. We have to be intentional in choosing to make room for God to work in our life. Choosing to create sacred space will always lead to an infilling of the fruit of the Spirit – love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law (Galatians 5:22-23). In hindsight I should have added a basket of fruit to my outfit representing (and labeled) the type of fruit the Holy Ghost provides. The same way nutritionists suggest consuming 4-5 servings of fruit a day to promote good health, a daily dose of the fruit of the Spirit is even more vital to our spiritual well-being. Sadly, I am allergic to most fruit, but I can fill up on sacred fruit as often as I need with no adverse effects. No swelling of the tongue, though that would probably be a benefit for me on most days. The only thing that swells up is my heart, which then spills over to everyone I interact with.
I positioned my mom by the entrance to the party so she could bless everyone as they arrived. Honestly, she’s been doing that all her life with no need for a costume. Her loving, caring and nurturing spirit is undoubtedly a result of God’s presence, which she faithfully orders up daily.
Have you had your suggested daily servings of fruit today? Why not choose to request a double helping this morning? You won’t be disappointed.