JUST ABOUT CANDY

At first the man was disturbed. As usual, on Halloween night children wear strange costumes and come to houses. They are ready to play if the owner of the house wants, or if not, they are simply given candy. Therefore, the person became angry when the children kept coming and shouting, “Game or candy!”

“I will not remain silent!” he cried out to his wife. “If any kids in weird costumes show up again tonight, they won’t get anything from me. And if they don’t leave too, I’ll call the police.”

While speaking, his face turned red and his breathing was short. With a look of astonishment his wife looked at him and said, “George, it’s just about candy.”

“It’s just about candy.” That sentence puts the problem in its rightful position. How easy it is to become angry that our rights, possessions, and pleasures are being disturbed, until we are reminded that we have allowed something insignificant to eat away at us.

Jesus’ words sound strange to us: “And if anyone wants to sue you and take your shirt, hand over your coat as well. If anyone forces you to go one mile, go with them two miles. (Matthew 5:40-41). Jesus wants us to respond to those around us in ways that reflect our faith in Him and our commitment to heavenly values.

So much anger can be avoided by simply pausing and saying, “You’re right, Lord. It’s just about candy.”