Oct. 18, 2010
 
DEVOTION: Chucking
 
By Beth Bondurant
 
Everyday we learn new ways...new words... fresh ideas... amplified understanding ... even with little intention of seeking something beyond our experience.
 
To my surprise white pumpkins are now on sale and further information reveals pumpkins come in various colors of white, pale green, dark green, red, gray and yellow-orange.
 
However, most amazing is the meaning of chucking a pumpkin (no matter what color). Pumpkin chucking is a competitive activity where an individual or team builds a devise that will throw the pumpkin the greatest distance... without completely destroying it. Various mechanisms are used.. and even special pumpkin hybrids are grown in hopes of withstanding the pressure and flight of a long distance chucking with the least amount of damage.
 
"Tossed and thrown into a bottomless pit... abandoned and alone."
 
Life isn't easy and some days we do feel just like a "pompon"... as though we have been deliberately thrown away from goodness and mercy... tossed and tortured by circumstance and conditions beyond our control.
 
"Pray always and don't lose heart."
 
O God... I do pray and believe and trust but it's hard to wait and wonder and see things "go to pieces" in the chucking of our lives. Even when we are strengthened by your presence and peace... just a little distance can so easily tear away our commitment and confidence in your caring and guidance. As we see the colorful fall leaves swirl down and be tossed about in the wind... help us understand the possibilities of new birth are ever around and within us. Create in us a spirit of hope and healing so that no matter how high or low or far or hard our chucking may be... love softens our landing and holds us secure. It is a mystery as to why... but our consistent prayer will be not to lose heart... in the chucking.