John's Garden

The annual ritual of transforming pumpkins into jack 'o lanterns is upon us. For our congregation, this ritual has become more precious. We are part of an interfaith group of 12 congregations (i.e., Jewish, Episcopal, United Methodist, Roman Catholic, Disciples of Christ, and Unitarian Universalist) that work with Habitat for Humanity of Denver. Known as the Habitat Interfaith Alliance, their mission "is to utilize the energy and commitment of their faith communities to build homes for families in need, while building a foundation for interfaith trust, communication and understanding." We just completed our eighth home, and now begin raising the $85,000 necessary to build the next one. It all begins with our annual pumpkin patch fundraiser where pumpkins eventually become nails, shingles, windows, plywood, wallboard and all of the other materials necessary to build a home.

Knowing how much my daughters will enjoy the creative process of transforming a pumpkin into a jack 'o lantern, as so many children do, I wanted to share Peter Mayer's delightful song, John's Garden. The You Tube link to John's Garden

Farmer John wandered back
And when he reached the pumpkin patch, began to speak.
He said, "The weather's getting colder,
Summer's over and it's almost Halloween.
That's the day, the reason you were raised
When everything about your life will change.

You will have eyes to see, and for that night, you'll be
A bright lamp burning in the darkness.
But remember that candle shines for only the briefest time
In a jack-o-lantern's heart."

The pumpkins held a meeting then;
Some were very apprehensive and afraid.
"Could this really happen to us?
What could be the meaning?" is what they were saying.
"This is home, it's all we've ever known."
Then one bold, outspoken pumpkin spoke.

He said,
"I don't need eyes to see, it sounds like a lie to me,
I like it just fine here in John's garden.
And remember that candle shines for only the briefest time
In a jack-o-lantern's heart."

There is much to ask and to ponder in the pumpkin patch
When imposing old October shows up at last.

Then a pumpkin from the farther end
Who had been silent up till then
Over the commotion, said
"What would you rather have my friends,
A chance to shine, or die here on the vine?
The better way seems very plain to me.

You will have eyes to see, and for that night, you'll be
A bright lamp burning in the darkness.
And maybe that candle shines for only the briefest time
In a jack-o-lantern's heart,
Oh, but one goblin's smile should make it all well worth while,
You know you might even see the starlight.
And knowing that time is brief, makes it that much more sweet
When you have a jack-o-lantern's heart."