Why can't it just be about the kids and the candy?

Let’s face it – it’s been a few years since the movies at the top of today’s reading were in the theaters (but Ghostbusters – really?).  But as I was wincing over that fact, wondering if the point was outdated, a radio commercial for one of the top-grossing movies of the weekend came back to me.  I think it’s called Paranormal Activity, and yup, we’re still marketing spirit guides to kids.

Most people I know who are into horror flicks (I’m not) are pretty jaded, not very likely to take what they see as a good idea.  The irony is that there are spiritual truths involved, and probably the goal is to see who will go exploring in those woods, so to speak, and become entangled.

My kids are too young to understand why I’m not very crazy about the witches they make from construction paper as a class art project, or the little ghosts, etc.  I know better than to make them forbidden, though.  All things taboo must be explored by any self-respecting kid, right?  So I’m finding creative ways to explain that while some people like being scared and that’s how they do Halloween, it’s not how we do it.

At some point, probably about a year from now, I’ll need to frame more direct answers with more truth about spiritual things.  I’m glad for the reminder that I need to be diligent, and teach my kids some tough things.  I’ll be ready.