Each year, we are able to pick a trunk-load of pumpkins for free. It is such a joy to go out in these fields and pick away to our heart's content.
We are so thankful and we enjoy sharing all this pumpkin love with our family and friends. I like to call myself the pumpkin fairy! haha!
Well, one very fun activity is we take a number of pumpkins to carve with the ladies of the Grace House. The GH is a recovery home for women struggling with addiction. We take this time to share the gospel through a story and then we carve our pumpkins. I have adapted this story and called it 'A Pumpkin Parable'. This last week we were able to go out and I once again shared this story and we carved our pumpkins together. It was a sweet time by all.
See the parable below and feel free to share. Remember, a parable is a story with a lesson. After sharing this story, discuss the lesson and parallel with us and our Creator. While carving, keep in mind of how the Lord made us and cleaned up, and gave us a new hope.
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In a far away land, a farmer thoughtfully sowed a seed. With great anticipation, he watched, watered, and cared for the seedling as it grew. This farmer always had this precious plant on his mind. He could not wait for harvest when he could pluck it out of the pumpkin patch.
When harvest came, the farmer joyfully made it way out to find his wonderfully created pumpkin. Unfortunately, he had to untangle the poor pumpkin from all the prickly vines. He released it by making a cut at the stem and took it into his arms. He was so pleased with the way the pumpkin had turned out- it’s shape, color, imperfections and all.
The farmer brought the pumpkin in the house, wiped it down and readied it for an amazing transformation. What could this transformation be? That evening the farmer brought out all the tools needed for this transformation. He started with the top and cut off a lid. Once the lid was removed, he started to clean out the insides. Oh how it was a tedious task! The insides were full of stringy, slimy guts. Alas, the insides were scraped clean. The pumpkin felt lighter and relieved the inside mess was gone.
The farmer then did what he was known to do best. With his tools, he etched, carved, and gifted this pumpkin with two round eyes, and a super sweet crooked smile that had one tooth. It was glorious for the pumpkin to be able to smile back at the one who created it!
Surprisingly, the farmer placed a light within the pumpkin. This was extraordinary! Not only did the brightness radiate out of the pumpkins face, it also brought an internal warmth inside, which caused the pumpkin to feel hopeful. “Now then”, said the farmer, I will use you to light the way to my door. Trick-or-Treaters will want to come and find my goodies!”
Not knowing what this meant exactly, the pumpkin found itself placed on the sidewalk in front of the farmers house. Darkness surrounded the farmers yard and home. To the pumpkins surprise, there were many children overjoyed to see the lit up pumpkin. The light shined on the pathway, which pointed the trick-or-treaters to the farmers front door. Once there they were delighted in his goodies! It was in that moment, the pumpkin knew it was created just for such a time as this.
