Sunday Morning

Peter sleeps through Sunday school, but the rest of them go, walking together, without me. Proud.

 Marcus’ pants are a little too high and he didn’t put on socks, but I don’t make him change. Seth is still fussing with his belt, and I notice his collar is tucked inside his shirt. I fix it and send him off, handsome.

Marcus and Eldon want to hold hands this morning, so they walk slowly. The others joke, “Lorraine will hold hands with Aggie, and Seth will take care of Seth this time, ok mommy?”

 The “big three” run ahead and wait at the stopping place. They turn around to see the “slow-pokes” and call to them, “hurry you guys! Run, run!” They run, holding hands, and I am sure someone is going to trip, sure it will be Eldon as he is dragged by Marcus, but he doesn’t.

Lorraine and Aggie are wearing spring clothes: skirts with a beautiful light blue color. Your joy and your clothes match the fresh air and the blooms of spring.

The horse is grazing across the street. The little ones catch up, finally, so Aggie and Seth run ahead. Lorraine bends down, and smiles at their smallness. She takes Eldon’s hand and becomes a “slow poke,” for their sakes.

I breathe in the morning air from the porch, smiling like a fool with my hand on my heart. This day.. these kids… it’s all so beautiful.

snapshot

After a church service which for me was only little-boy disruptions, I wonder "Why do we even bother going?" But she walks home with me from church.  Just her, next to me in the cool wet air.  Her siblings got a ride from a friend, but she didn't want mommy to be lonely, so she grabs my hand and offers to share her umbrella.  Her mere presence reminds me to drink deeply of fresh air, to savor this precious moment of life.

Her kind hand grabs mine, and I remember that God gives what I need; that seasons of rain often produce the most beautiful of flowers.

This girl who has been through the valley has come out of it with an enormous heart, and love bubbles out of her like a spring.  I feel the cool night air, breathe in her kindness, and give thanks.