Parade Candy

               Many years ago when our four children were still at home, our family enjoyed attending the yearly county fairs, especially the parades.  Each child would bring a paper or plastic bag to collect all the candy and other items tossed along the parade route.  One summer as we gathered with friends to watch the annual event, I took note of the candy as it fell upon the street and the reaction of the children. Consequently, as an observant “Mom”, I wrote a modern-day parable referring to Jesus’ parable of the sower. (Mat. 13: 1-9; 18-23)  My parable went like this…

               During the county fair parade, candy (Word of God) fell continually upon the streets along the designated path.  Candy which fell into the mud, the kids left alone. (Word of God fell upon deaf ears.) Candy that fell freely and abundantly upon the street, the kids ran wildly after it. Some ate it as soon as they picked it up. (Heard the Word/digested it but that was all.) Others put the candy in their sacks/bags for later enjoyment. (Heard the Word but left the spreading of its message for another day or perhaps not at all.)  A few eager participants noticed other kids weren’t getting any candy at all so they shared theirs. (Heard the Word and shared it.)  As the candy became an instrument of saving grace, we as the recipients must share its message.

               For all you parade goers out there, enjoy the candy and don’t forget to share!

“But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.” James 1:22