The Tricks He Turned Into Treats!

As we waltz into the month of October we are, as seniors, particularly excited about the return of the Fall season. The subject of Halloween permeates the entire society in one way or another. We may remember the times, as kids, when we developed the art of door-to-door Trick or Treat and sharing this experience with our grandkids or even great grandkids! The smiles that lit up the faces of the little ones were and always will be such a joy to see.

As you think back, do you remember how life took on such a different meaning as we matured and watched the years go by? Tricks and treats took on a whole new meaning didn’t they? At times it seemed like the more we learned the more we needed to learn and tricks and treats became trials and tremors as we worked to take care of our families and be an example to our kids!

Perhaps you too where driven to your knees to seek the help of the only one who could not only give you the answers to unravel the “tricks and trials”…but could give you the questions to understand what we needed to know. Oh what a relief it was when we realized that God was in the storms and in control. That He allowed some of those tricks and trials to test and grow our faith…and with each prayerful intervention, our wisdom grew and our perspective broadened. In James 1:2-4 God taught us that we could… “Count it all joy, my brothers when you meet (tricks) trials of various kinds, knowing that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.” Remember when we began to realize the full meaning and spiritual potential that those words from the Lord could have in our lives, and the freedom they provided as we watched God bless us in response to our prayers? (John 14:27)

The tricks and trials no longer frustrated us but instead, the truth of James1:19 matured us as we responded in obedience! “Know this my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness that God requires.” Yes dear friends, for those of us who have been “younger longer”…the power and faithfulness of God has continually changed life’s “tricks and trials” to “total peace and ever growing joy” based upon a wonderful trust in the Savior.

So, I guess the question that I ask myself and would lovingly challenge you with this October would be: “What will you do this October with what He has taught you through a lifetime of Halloweens?” You know, the Treats of Wisdom, Patience, Understanding, Listening and lack of Anger. There is a kid, a grandkid, a parent, a neighbor, an acquaintance that may be needing you to exchange a “Trick” that has been holding them in bondage…with a “Treat” that you, by the grace of God, have learned!

—Joe Schofield
Associate Pastor/Minister to Seniors, Prestonwood Baptist Church
jschofield@prestonwood.org