They came, black, white, brown, healthy and sick, on foot, in strollers, in wheelchairs. Most managed to squeak out "thank you", while others just looked with wide eyes and unmoving mouths. It is one of the few times of the year we welcome everyone no matter their race, their ability, their special needs, their economic status, their family of origin. There are those who insist that Halloween is some satanic conspiracy. I think it is one time in which we truly welcome others as Christ has welcomed us.
Oh God, we come. We come healthy and happy. We come wounded and in pain. We come tired and burnt out. We come excited and looking for opportunities for ministry. And no matter how we come, you meet us there. You wrap your arms around those who are tired or wounded, you dance with those who celebrate and call us to new adventures in mission. May we also meet others as they are, and not as we wish they were. May we work with you to help them be the people you want them, and us, to be............Amen