by Marieanne Rose
“And He took the children in his arms, placed His hands on them and blessed them.” Mark 10:16
Two years ago, Pastor Justin asked Karl and I if we would take the time to bless the children in the Nursery on Sunday mornings. Since we usually attend late service, that is the time frame we cover. Every Sunday, when the celebration of Holy Communion is nearing an end, we quietly slip out of our seats and head for the Nursery.
The children are accustomed to seeing us walk in and usually greet us with a smile. I try to ask each child if they would like me to bless them before I place my hand on their heads. Most of the little ones smile, lift their heads high and wait for me to gently place my hand on their head, pronounce the blessing, and make the sign of the cross. There is the occasional child who refuses and runs away laughing – but most little ones are happy for the special attention, and warm smile they receive with their blessing.
A few weeks ago, there was a little boy in the Nursery who was wearing a hat – not a baseball cap – but a formal gentlemen’s hat…sized for his head. He watched me for a time as I blessed the other children and then I turned to him and asked if I could bless him. He started to turn away…then stopped – stepped back, reached up, took off his hat, and presented his head for blessing. His sweet demeanor and quick response stunned and blessed me. I placed my hand on his head, spoke the blessing, and made the sign of the cross.
His sweet demeanor and quick response stunned and blessed me.
When I finished, he gave me a big smile, put his hat back on his head, and ran to join the other children. His eager response made my day!
Children – so easy to love – so dear to God’s heart!
