So far it has been our commitment that one of us is with Laura-Clare at night when the other is out. This means that we have been very careful about scheduling our evening meetings. (We have out of necessity welcomed iCal and MobileMe to our household and happily live with them!) There have only been a couple of Sunday evenings recently that have required both of us to lead separate worship services, and I am able to be home before little girl bedtime. Thankfully we have met a young lady, who has become Laura-Clare's newest friend. (She is following in good company with Laura-Clare's sitter (and playmate) for the first two years of her life! Thank you, Ashlan!)
For two Sunday evenings in a row, Catherine has come to "play" while we have been out. This has been great, especially since Laura-Clare is so happy to have a friend come to her house! Their time has been chocked full of fun! It is simply adorable that Catherine has been teaching Laura-Clare to give a thumbs up. What is even more adorable is that Laura-Clare, while unable actually to hold up her thumb, very confidently and proudly raises her pointer finger instead...!!
Outside of these Sunday evenings, typically, Laura-Clare alternates weeks with us on Sunday mornings. Because all churches are not accustomed to providing nurseries, we rely on part-service Sunday school or in-service creche. Fortunately, she is getting to know people and feeling more comfortable, but it still means that ultimately Mommy or Daddy will be the default for the vulnerable little two year old (even if Mommy and Daddy are the ones leading worship, preaching, and presiding over Holy Communion). Needless to say, there have been some priceless Sunday moments. I am compelled to share.
Laura-Clare arrived at church with me several Sundays ago, and she very happily joined the Sunday school group that meets during worship. I was well aware that she would enter the service with the other children at the time of Holy Communion, but I didn't expect her entrance to be so dramatic. Something had upset her just before the group entered, so needless to say, she caught the attention of everyone as she made her way towards me front and center behind the altar.
-fast forward-
Having completed the delicately balanced Communion liturgy, Laura-Clare and I walked forward hand-in-hand and positioned ourselves to offer the bread to the people, and I whispered for her to stand right beside me. She stood, listened, and watched. I began as always: "The body of Christ broken for you....The body of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ given for you...The body of Christ broken for you..."
In just a couple of moments, one of the church members received the bread and invited Laura-Clare to go and get a biscuit (a cookie!). Initially, she asked if I could go along and was very reluctant, but in the name of cookies, she reconsidered. I continued, "The body of Christ broken for you..."
-fast forward-
Following the morning services, our family reunited as always at The Manse, and we prepared lunch. Despite our best efforts, Laura-Clare wandered away from the table with a slice of cheese. Timothy followed her with gentle instruction and soon thereafter summoned me and said, "Tell Mommy what you said to me!" As she stood beside her Elmo chair and pinched off a small piece of cheese, she reached towards me and sweetly said, "The body broken for you."
-brief pause-
Our earlier struggle through the Communion liturgy was erased in an instant. The grace of God came alive through the playful practices of a two year old. And in some strange way, time stood still while Timothy and I reveled in the moment.
-brief pause-
I will resist the obvious urges. I will set the theologizing aside for now. I will save the "churchy" reflection for another day. And I will simply say there is most certainly a two year old to consider amidst our busy lives in ministry, and with the gift of Sunday surprises and so much more, it is amazing to share life with her!
