Halloween is a little more than a week away. When I was a boy, I liked Halloween. We neighborhood children would put on our costumes and go door-to-door trick or treating. Obliging neighbors would give us fruit, assorted candies or gum. Word would get around and we would be sure to knock on the doors of those who were reputed to give out the best treats.

Times, circumstances and customs have changed since I was a boy. The church to which Doris and I belong now offers Trunk or Treat as an alternative on Halloween. It is held in the church parking lot. Vehicles are parked with open trunks filled with goodies which are given to trick or treating boys and girls. It is a fun time for all in a safe, friendly environment.

As you may know, Halloween began not as an evening of trick or treating but as a holy day on the church calendar. It was Allhallows or All Saints Day. Whether or not Allhallows is on your religious calendar or mine, it is a good time amidst the merriment of the evening to be mindful of those saintly folks that we know or have known.

And by the way, saintly is something we Christians are all called to be (I Corinthians 1:2). To be saintly is not to be holier than thou, but to strive toward godliness, and halos are not required.

Have a safe and happy Halloween!