I always love watching the children approach the altar for a blessing on their way to learn about God during the Children’s Liturgy of the Word.
There are the eager little ones, who can’t wait to get in line to go. Then there are those who hang back, uncertain and shy, nervous but summoning the courage for this experience. Sometimes a confident child is leading a child who is less confident.
This week, when the priest invited the children to come forward, one little girl captured my attention. She couldn’t have been more than 3. But she strode toward the altar with what seemed to be absolute assurance.
I was a little in awe of her, this petite child, so certain and ready for whatever might come. I admired her courage, joining a group with some taller children, likely all strangers to her. I would never have been as brave when I was a little girl.
The priest blessed the children, and we all sang together as they walked toward the exit to go to the children’s program. It was then that I noticed that the girl had broken away from the group, running back to her seat, worry spread across her face.
A man who must have been her father met her on the way. He had seen her hesitating, and he was ready. He leaned down, scooped her up, and carried her out with the rest of the children. She wrapped her arms around his neck and rested her head on his shoulder. Together, they went to the Children’s Liturgy. And all was right with the world.
It was a beautiful moment shared between a father and daughter. And I found myself thinking of how much we are loved by our father in heaven. He watches and knows us. He knows sometimes we are sure of ourselves and sometimes we are not. He’s ready to scoop us up and accompany us when we need him most. In his arms, we feel secure.
And today, he is holding us, guiding us forward, ready to give us the reassurance we need.
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