Five years ago, you would not have seen me make something like this.
Or this:
That is because I was on the road to being a "Super Christian" and Harry Potter and Halloween were bad. But something happened to my heart. Jesus reminded me that he preaches the "spirit" of the law, not the "letter."
I spent so much time making a show about what I "would not" do that I overlooked the things I should do. Like love others, not take self-glorifying positions, and stopping to look beyond the surface (to name a few).
This year, my little girl wants to be "Hermione" from the Harry Potter books and movies. And, I am not only letting her, I am helping her!
That's right, I'm a Christian and I'm making a Magic Wand. (can get an Amen?)
I'm looking at this differently now. I remember a good friend told me her daughter wanted to be Hermione several years ago, and I bristled and was rather pious about it. She countered with how the character was strong, smart, and brave, all great qualities for little girls to model. I wasn't hearing any of it. I was one of "those" Christians.
I owe her an apology.
I couldn't do anything but "act" how I thought "Christians" acted. Now I know better, now I really understand. Love your neighbor. Love. He is all about Love. I was all about Me.
Since my apology can't happen easily, I think of this costume as a form of making up for that moment.
Who knows. Maybe my friend will get her elbows in front of a computer one day and see this post.
But for now, I look at Halloween, Harry and Hermione differently these days. I love God, love others, and don't sweat the small stuff (and it's all small stuff anyway). In a few days, a little girl will don this hand-made costume and be filled with joy, and the empowerment that a strong role model can bring. And I'm gonna smile, and let her have her fun.
And you know, I might just have some fun too.
(hint)
[this is good] This is an awesome post. I'm glad to hear about how you've gained some wisdom (or insight or whatever) and are more relaxed now. I think that's a problem lots of people have.And I want to see pictures of the costumes! Be sure to take some!
Posted by: Kymberlie R. McGuire | 10/26/2007 at 03:32 PM
[this is good] This is quite possibly the greatest Harry Potter Halloween costume story ever.
Posted by: Giraffe | 10/26/2007 at 06:36 PM