You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God.—2 Corinthians 9:11 (NIV)

Our church had what I thought was a brilliant idea that October—cartoon-looking cards to invite children and their parents to attend Sunday services. The pastor suggested we hand them out or perhaps drop them in trick-or-treat bags. 

I’ve never been a big fan of trick-or-treating. I don’t like scary costumes. Groups of kids running around in the dark can be dangerous. Getting candy from neighbors you might not know well seems unsafe. Too much sugar is unhealthy. Plus, I didn’t want to celebrate the potentially evil origins of the holiday that some anti-Halloween parents warned me about. Yes, these cards were a good idea. I grabbed several stacks on the way out of the church lobby. 

My husband, Michael, eyed me suspiciously. He had fond memories of the holiday. He’s always wanted to be the house that handed out full-sized candy bars on Halloween, but I wouldn’t consider such an expense. 

“You’re not thinking about giving those cards instead of candy, are you?” he asked, warily. 

I explained the church cards promoted Jesus and were free. I told him we could spread the Gospel instead of tooth decay. 

“If we hand out those cards, they’ll need to be attached to full-sized candy bars,” Michael said with a nod, “so kids can taste the generous goodness of God.” 

A sweet idea that satisfied us both!