Several days
ago in the Staples’ employee breakroom, I was thrilled to discover the
following notice on the back of the door that went something like this: “Casual
dress down day (jeans allowed) - October 29th-November 1st.
Employees may also dress in Halloween attire on October 30-31st.”
With me working on November 30th, this would be the only day I could
take advantage of not wearing my work uniform, and coming dressed in a
Halloween costume.
It was the
Thursday of Trick or Treat night (my day off) when I had my annual dental
cleaning at 11:15am. The receptionist (Vivian), who knew my family well, was
tastefully dressed as a cat with her feline ears headband, cheetah (leopard or
some exotic cat print) scarf draped across her shoulders, and black shirt and
pants.
I thought her
outfit was not over the top. There was no Halloween make-up. It was a well-put
together costume that was appropriate for the setting of a dental office.
As my teeth
were being worked on, I was thinking of something suitable for Staples. I could
always put on a knit cap, and a wool scarf, but that would be that be hot for a
five hour work shift. My version of “winter in Ohio” was a big “no.” Maybe I
could get an idea from the local Halloween superstore close to my house.
After spending
at least an hour in the temporary Easton Market Halloween City viewing all the
spooky stuff there, I ended up rejecting everything but a headband with fire
engine red horns. With a tasteful all-black outfit (as well as my newly colored
hair), the head piece I just purchased would really stand out in a devilish way.
(They have a no return or refund policy on items purchased in this superstore.)
On Friday, It
was an hour before I had to be to Staples at 9am. After talking with three
close friends(wife, mom, Charlotte Massey), I was wondering if I could really
go through with the Satan horns I’d purchased the day before because God was
whispering something different in my mind and heart. “As a Son of God, can you
really be at Staples for an entire work shift dressed in a symbol that
represents everything I’m against?”
After
questioning God on the feasibility of not doing this and the money I’d wasted
(should have checked with Him first), I quickly picked another casual outfit
that would be appropriate and comfortable at my workplace. To keep myself from
giving the devil horns to someone else, I cut them off the headband, and threw
them away in the trash so I couldn’t resurrect them later. The lesson in
obedience I’d learned from God was well worth the $8 I spent on my Halloween
headband.
Lucifer is a
liar that has fallen from Heaven (Isaiah 14:12). The times I’ve avoided doing some
minor thing that God has clearly impressed on me to do (all because I might
look like a religious fanatic) have been some of the worst times in my life. It makes no sense at all not to give in to God
when He first speaks to you. When will I finally learn this important lesson?
Never give up
on the principles that are important to who you deep down inside. What has God
been telling you? Have you been avoiding Him? Surrender is a wonderful feeling.
It’s time to for you to stop fighting the Almighty. It’s a losing battle. My
friend, “rest in peace.”
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| A Little Devilish |
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