A Typical Sunday Morning

We go to church on Sunday mornings, our attendance had been really regular until this summer. The children make it so difficult; just getting them dressed is a big task. This morning while I was trying to dress Chloe and fix her hair Drew was in the kitchen pouring water all over the floor. I learned long ago to dress Chloe first and leave Drew until almost time to go because he will remove his shoes and socks and possibly his pants and if we're ever running late he'll have the most foul disgusting diaper ever. Anyway, we managed to get ready and almost get there on time, as soon as we were seated I notice the cloth-draped tray and I knew we were observing communion today. Now, before children this was a very solemn thought provoking event where I would really think about what Jesus has done for all of us, but with small children it is a struggle just to hold onto the little cracker and not spill the grape juice. I began explaining to them before the trays were passed around that they would not get the little cracker or juice and that when they were older I would explain it to them and one day they too would participate and that when we get home they can have grape juice and crackers, but of course they don't understand and the juice looks so good in that little clear cup. In the midst of the silence while the trays are being passed Drew notices a cricket on the carpet and he jumps down from the pew and begins stomping and very loudly announcing "Me see bug!! Me stomp it!! Stomp! Stomp! The more I whisper to him to be quiet the more he stomps, so I insert the trusty pacifier in his mouth and the situation is diffused. After communion the kids of course play with the little cups and run their tongues down in them. I can see Allen is mortified, but I guess I'm already worn-down and it barely phases me. Finally, the children are dismissed to go to children's church and I can hurry them back to the nursery.

I've been really upset that the children prevent me from enjoying the sermon; more like prevent me from even comprehending anything about it, but I've decided that the very act of getting up and going, knowing that my patience will be put test, is pleasing to God. After all I go to worship and praise God; it isn't about my getting anything out of the sermon but rather me giving my time to honor Him.

At least Allen is able to listen and learn from the pastor while I have the children in the nursery; I think he needs it more than I do. ha ha hee hee. :)