We have a parishioner who is in fourth grade and exhibits more of the Spirit than many of our adults combined.
She is simply a ray of sunshine and comes bounding into church every Sunday, excited to fill me in on what has happened in her week of basketball, gymnastics and dance competitions.
She just loves everything about our church. Sunday school, the Sunday service, the kids' plays and fun days ... everything.
She even volunteers to read scripture during the service, and whenever I need a volunteer for any task, she's the first to respond. ... And because of this, she makes being a part of our service simply joyous for me.
But today, her cuteness level skyrocketed off the charts, and has made me love communion even more than I previously had.
Bridgit loves coming to the altar for communion. I mean LOVES it! ... Every communion Sunday she literally pulls her mom or dad down the center aisle after the ushers have released their row. And then as their family gathers around the altar to kneel, she is just brimming with anticipation. She eagerly watches as I make my way around our half moon altar to her parents, and when it's their turn to receive the body, her eyes grow wide and you can see the Spirit burning deep in this child.
And then when I turn to her to give her her blessing, something I do for anyone who is not taking communion, she stretches her head as close to me as possible and grins widely, waiting for me to draw a cross on her head and utter a blessing.
It just may be my most favorite part of our communion. ... Seriously, it gives me goose bumps every time she does it.
But today, she topped it all. ... Just as I finished completing her blessing, she pushed herself up and over the banister a little more, and she whispered to me, "One more year!" ... Meaning, of course, one more year until she could take the First Communion class, and then begin to take communion with everyone else!
And I wish I could share with you the exuberance with which she uttered her proclamation! It was joy and faith and the Spirit all mixed into one moment, and it made me grin from ear to ear as well. In fact, the moment was so special that I had to share it with the congregation before we dismissed for the day.
And I encouraged those in attendance to believe and cherish communion as much as little Bridgit, because I know that today she certainly renewed my zest for serving the Holy Meal. God bless her and her pure joy.
And that is why today, I am finding faith in little Bridgit. ... Amen.
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