Three witnesses in the Sunday school class agreed that I indeed maliciously and without any sense of shame picked up the potato with my hand and threw it over the finish line. 

“Holy French Fries, you’ve got me dead to rights,” I cried out. “I confess! I confess! The frustration and shame of Russell beating me by a nose was too much to bear. I plead guilty to the shameful crime of illegal potato throwing. Please forgive me!”

After the laughter died down our Sunday school class began to talk about the real sins we commit from potato-race fibs to the horrendous terrorist acts of September 11. We all make mistakes, stray away from God, so how do we atone for our sins?  Psalm 32 gives some encouraging answers:

“Blessed is the one whose transgressions are forgiven...When I kept silent, my bones wasted away through groaning all day long. For day and night your hand was heavy upon me...” (1,3,4)

1. Don’t keep silent about your sins. It’s not what you did as much as what you do next.

“Then I acknowledged my sin to you and did not cover up my iniquity. I said, ‘I will confess my transgressions to the Lord’ -- and you forgave the guilt of my sin.”  (5)

2. Confess, knowing God will forgive. This is the cornerstone of our faith.

“Therefore let everyone who is godly pray to you while you may be found.” (6)

3. Seeking God begins the process of overcoming sins vicious hold on you. 

 “...But the Lord’s unfailing love surrounds the one who trusts in Him.” (10)

4. Trust in God to love and protect you through difficult times.

I still throw potatoes occasionally along with other sins, but it is comforting to know that if I am willing to face my mistakes, confess and seek God’s help there will be a promise of love and encouragement to see me through. You can bet the spud ranch on that one!

Even on Halloween during these dangerous, uncertain times, it’s possible to find something of God, if you are willing to look for it. But let me give you a warning. Beware the youth and their games…