Don’t Start Without Me !!

"Little Guy" is now 4 1/2 

My parents will tell you, should you ask, that I was a precocious child. I was outgoing and talkative and on more than one occasion, brought them a certain amount of embarrassment. When I tell them that my two little ones (especially the oldest) are shaping up to be just like I was – they can’t hide their smiles.

One of my earliest memories (I would have been maybe four) was of sitting on the pew next to my Dad during a church board meeting. Who knows what they were discussing – the proposed purchase of a new piano, building maintenance, Bible School…I have no idea, but I do remember that I wasn’t all that impressed with the grown up talk…which is why I stood on the seat of the pew right next to my Dad and loudly proclaimed, “I know why they call this a board meeting. It’s BOORING!”
                                                                                                      
I know my Dad was mortified. I know this because God in His wisdom and with His divine sense of humor has blessed me with a child who is just as opinionated and noisy in church as his Mama was.

Our little church has a “children’s moment” every Sunday morning. This is a time when the little tykes can go up front and learn a very brief lesson from the minister. He teaches them something that is short and sweet but which helps them to feel that they are a part of the service. It’s really wonderful and my oldest LOVES it.  

One Sunday some weeks before last Christmas, the Pastor asked the kiddos what holiday was coming up. Instead of just answering “Christmas” as the other children were doing, mine walked to the top level of the stage, and began to belt out “Jingle Bells” at the top of his lungs.  

Another Sunday he and several other children were standing on the stage ready to sing a song they’d been practicing. Without encouragement of any kind, my little fellow took a big step forward, stretched his arms wide and loudly proclaimed, “LADIES AND GENTLEMEN, BOYS AND GIRLS!” The Sunday school teacher stopped him there, which I’m guessing was good. Who knows what kind of announcement he might have made? 

This past Sunday (Easter), I was kind of hoping that he wouldn’t notice it was time for the kids to go up front. The church was packed and we were wedged in the middle of a long pew. He did notice of course. Children were already arriving at the front when he looked at me anxiously, “Can I go Mom, please?” I nodded, and began to prepare myself mentally for whatever thing he was going to do. Its always ‘when’ and not ‘if’ with this boy. He pushed his way (as politely as a 4 and a half year old can) through the folks sitting next to us. Once he reached the aisle (keep in mind we were one pew away from the BACK of the church), he stopped and raised both hands. Waving them at the Pastor, he yelled as loudly as he could, “Don’t start without ME!” Everyone laughed as my little guy jogged to the front and plopped down directly in front of the minister, looking up at him with sparkling eyes.

Sometimes his antics embarrass me a little, but I won’t ever tell him that. I want him to approach life with the carefree and exuberant attitude he has for as long as he has it. He’ll have plenty of time to sit quietly as he grows older. Honestly his joy and innocent excitement is contagious.  Even when I have to shake my head and sigh, I'm pretty proud of my little sweetie.  After all, the Christy of 30 years ago would be running right behind him yelling "Don't start without ME!"  Sometimes I have to remind myself of that, but it is true. 

At this age, he doesn’t know any reason he should be shy or quiet.  You know what?  Neither do I.