“Freely you have received; freely give.” – Matthew 10:8

This skeleton is part of a Halloween display in our neighborhood — and his hat made me laugh. But it also made me think. A skeleton giving life advice….

Does he have a regret of not being kind enough? Did he give beyond his means? What’s the message? Or perhaps this is the only spare hat they had.

No matter the answer, it’s worthy advice to heed. I’m so disheartened by the world’s epidemic of selfishness and unending pursuit of that which only benefits oneself. I find it an insult to God to turn a blind or indifferent eye to the needs of our neighbors, especially when we have reaped blessing upon blessing upon blessing. And I hope that someday when I’m nothing but a bag of bones, I will have no regrets of squandering opportunities for kindness or giving.

Thank you, Mr. Skelly, for the advice and the reminder.

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