Churchy thoughts

Today in church I kept Kent with me during the singing part because I knew how much he loves music, and especially the guitar. So when the song came to a close, there was a slight pause of total silence and Kent says (in that loud toddler voice that sounds more like shouting): "Again??" Everyone around us chuckled. After the next song, another moment of silence after those final notes on the keyboard and Kent shouts "YYYYAY!!!" And everyone chuckled some more. I found myself really embarrassed because I wanted him to be quiet, but then again, there are worse ways for toddlers to be noisy in church. (And we've been there.)

And then I wished silence wasn't such a strong expectation out of little people (such as it is in most church denominations). Why can't they dance, wiggle, clap, shout "again!!" and "yay" and "amen" as toddlers do? Wouldn't that bring a bit more liveliness and joy to the worship service? Why not have a space for kids to stand off to the side and sing along, rather than force them in their seats and constantly remind them to be quiet? Or worse yet, hand them an iPad with games to eliminate those shushing battles?

As I was brushing Kent's teeth tonight, he slowly reached up and put his index finger on the bristles and bent his finger, sending an arc of toothpaste spray into the air and onto his face. You should have heard his giggles!!

Kids show us boring adults how to find joy in just about everything, so why not in church too?