The kids and I were visiting a new church today. It’s been my quest to find a church that better fits the value system and core beliefs I hold dear. We’ve been to several churches this past year. This Sunday was no exception. Today we tried Presbyterian.
Thank goodness Chris and Claire have adventurous spirits. They try on each church with excitement.
I was a few minutes early to the service today, giving us enough time to use the bathroom and find the Sunday School room.
As we walked down the hall we passed an amazing sight. There were thirty to forty elderly women and men standing together in bright white cotton robes with white sashes lining their collars.
One man in particular was breath-taking. He stood over six feet tall with white hair and a long white beard. Picture Santa but taller and thinner.
At this sigh my son, Chris, looked up at me and said with as much clarity and conviction as an almost six year old can muster, “Mom, that must be where all the angels gather.”
Maybe it was because the sight was so amazing. Maybe it was his innocence. But my breath caught in my throat and my eyes began to sting.
My boy saw his first angels.
At that moment I knew today was going to be a great day.
“Mom, do you know that Martin Luther King Jr.‘s birthday was Monday? Ya, and it’s important because he has the same face as Barack Obama!”
“Yes, he’s an African American just like President Obama.”
“Ya, and did you know that Martin Luther King Jr. tried to ride a bus that light tan people were riding on? And the dark brown people were not allowed to ride it and they kicked him off!!??”
“Really??”
“So Martin Luther King Jr. solved the problem and just made everyone dark brown so then they could all ride the bus! Isn’t that cool??”
“Yes, very!”
The conversation BC had with me the other day was so sweet and innocent. But I think the thing I enjoy the most is that having this conversation made me appreciate even more that we live in a community where my kids are surrounded by people of all different colors, beliefs, and orientations. And my kids will grow up to know that no matter who a person is and whether or not you have the same beliefs or skin color, people are people and we can all get along.
December 2, 2008 at 4:09 pm
· Filed under BC Said What??
BC: It’s with BLUE and YELLOW. You know how I know? Because the ocean is BLUE and your pee is YELLOW. When you pee in the ocean it turns GREEN. That’s how I know that BLUE and YELLOW make GREEN.
Me: Note to self… no more peeing in the ocean in front of my son…
BC on the recent election…
BC: I wish John McCain won. I mean I LOVE the way Barack Obama’s face looks, but John McCain’s name is WAY cooler.
Today you turned 32. And although you’ve already had a chance to see this podcast, pictures and all, I wanted to post it here so you can come back when you might be doubting the impact you have on our children, or when you are feeling down.
The time you spend with us is profound. The extra effort you put into getting eClaire to giggle is so wonderful. The special attention you give BC when you teach him about science, earth, or just how to fix things around the house are forming lasting memories.
When you read to our children in the evenings, you solidify your presence in their lives.
The man you are comes through in the daily actions of your children. Your daughter is meticulous. Your son is a gentleman. Your daughter a so very bright. Your son is helpful and kind. Your children reflect you.
I’ve added the video to this post for you to come back to every time you begin to wonder what you really mean to our kids.
“Mom, do you know that Martin Luther King Jr.‘s birthday was Monday? Ya, and it’s important because he has the same face as Barack Obama!”