We were late for church today. Logan decided he didn’t want to put on his shoes. I was nervous when we finally arrived. Would my children be able to hold it together for an hour, or would the ugly side of our family rear it’s ugly head, revealing what our family is really like to a bunch of church-going-strangers? I dropped Logan and Weston off in the nursery. Both boys hung their coats and kissed me sweetly goodbye. A flawless drop off. Fingers crossed they wouldn’t get into a wrestling match in the next 59 minutes.

Jaden and I walked to the sanctuary at the other side of the building. I was thinking of the best way to find a seat without being noticed … we were really late and I knew any sudden movements would draw attention. When Jaden saw the doors to the sanctuary his pace quickened. He started tearing off his coat and hat, tossing them behind him, hoping I would catch them. He ran down the center aisle toward the altar where the children were sitting and listening to the children’s message. Let me repeat that … he RAN down the center aisle INTHE MIDDLE OF THE CHURCH SERVICE! There was no sneaking in the side door and sliding into a back row, going unnoticed. I asked him if he needed help finding his Sunday School class; we had only been to this church a few times before. He shook his head as he continued running down the aisle. I slid into a pew.

I couldn’t help but think of this verse:

Then Jesus called for the children and said to the disciples, “Let the children come to me. Don’t stop them! For the Kingdom of God belongs to those who are like these children. Luke 18:16 (NLT)

Whoa, did I just see this piece of scripture lived out in front of me? Those who are like children … When you finally get to church, run down the center aisle to hear His word – without worry or fear of what others are thinking of you. Just run towards the cross.

Why do I go to church? I come to church to receive God’s word and guidance. I shouldn’t be worried about impressing anyone or going unnoticed. Jaden had the right idea. RUN towards the cross. Run even if you are late. Run even if that means everyone is looking at you. The God I worship, is just glad we showed up. He loves us just as we are, totally messy, late and frazzle.

I am such a proud mama … I need to learn from Jaden. We need to learn from our children.

Love, Mel