Childhood Pranks and "Mrs. Kravitz"

Let me preface this story by admitting, as number five of six kids, we were hoodlums!

It’s true.

Imagine an over-the-top mischievous version of the neighborhood “Little Rascals”.

We Moore kids staked claimed on our North 8^th Street territory like nobody’s business. Ramping our bikes fearlessly over dirt-mounded curbs, decapitating the neighbors’ pretty flowers gardens and yelling “Red Rover” and “Ally, ally oxen (outs) in free” disturbingly loud--way past dark. You name it, we did it.

Oh my goodness…before I go on, a little grace here…okay?

One of our neighbors we loved to pester was the neighborhood “Mrs. Kravitz”, if you may. She was a bit skittish—an obviously easy prey.

It was late evening—pitch dark—but back in the day, that’s when kids played their hardest and best. My sister and I were still outside, not ready to give up our playtime. We glanced across the street and noticed “Mrs.Kravitz’s” kitchen light on. We could see through the open window that she was washing dishes at her sink.

Putting on our best hoodlumness, we quietly snuck over to her window, and on the count of “3” jumped up wildly yelling, “Aaaaaahhhhh-ga-boo-ga-la!” and then ran away as fast as our legs would allow. But before we got out of ear-shot, we were pleased to hear “Mrs. Kravitz” let out a blood-curdling scream.

Mission accomplished!

(Weren’t we were awful? Our parents moved us to the country when I was in 3^rd grade. In celebration, I think that was the day 8^th Street invented neighborhood block parties.)

Although, I still love a good prank now and then, I’d like to think I’ve matured a little over the years—especially spiritually.

James 1:4 says, “Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.”

To grow in the Lord, we must take the initial step toward maturity. Reading our Bibles, being faithful in prayer, maturing our walk with Christ…it all takes effort. But rest assured, perseverance is the key to completion.

Even in our childish ways, I’m so glad God doesn’t give up on us. Aren’t you?

So persevere on, my friends—and thank goodness, God isn’t finished with us yet!