October 31 – “Ordinarily …”

Well, here’s an unusual start to our Halloween Day.  Ordinarily we would be getting ready for a batch of kids to stop by for a treat or seven.  Ordinarily we would be pondering whether or not we had enough of said treats for the thundering hordes expected.  Ordinarily we host a big party for anyone who wants to come over and help us share those treats.  Ordinarily that includes pizza all around as well.  Ordinarily we would be opening and separating whatever special Bibles or Jesus movies we would be giving away.  Ordinarily Chris would be all aflutter getting the house cleaned and ready for company (Well, eventually she would be.  It’s still a little early for that one).  Ordinarily I would be rummaging through closets trying to decide which outrageous costume I thought Chris would let me wear.  Ordinarily I would drag Skeezix the Skeleton from his year-long perch in the back closet so he can sit in one of the rickety rocking chairs on the front porch.  Ordinarily I would be putting together my special ultra-sized package of goodies for the first fire fighter costume to arrive.  Ordinarily we would be stepping aside to avoid the latest pumpkin Chris has on the front porch.  Ordinarily …

 

Well, this year will be a little different.  For one thing, the pumpkin didn’t last through the hurricanes and tropical storms this year.  Started growing some really beautiful penicillin.  But mostly the issue is a great one.  We are headed to Waco to see our grandson Luke get baptized tomorrow morning.  So ordinarily suddenly becomes … extra-ordinary.  We are on our way …

 

Acts 8:36-39 says, “And as they traveled along the road, they came to some water and the eunuch said, ‘Look, here is water.  What can stand in the way of my being baptized?’”

 

Father, please give us a safe journey up into the northlands today … like you ordinarily do.  Amen.