The Family Album

Snapshots of life; vignettes into the intricacies of human connectedness is an awesome honor to witness in parish ministry. The startled look of surprise in the eyes of the newly baptized after being splashed with words of new life; stoic exchanges between mother and son during their father’s German polka funeral recessional; the starry wonder of that one wandering toddler during the children’s message.

Just last Sunday, I captured another one in the communion line. I imagine I wasn’t supposed to see this one. The big sister quietly processed to where her little brother stood offering her the chalice of wine. She scrunched up her once cheerful face, rolled her eyes, and stuck out her tongue as her brother tossed out the words “the blood of Christ shed for you.”

The old familiar exchange brought a quick smile to my face. It made me my miss my own siblings, my younger brother and sister. I thought back to all the Sundays we spent in the church, silently, lovingly, poking and prodding each other through the long grueling church service. I am thankful to see the tradition living on. The wonder and connectedness of God’s people surround us.