Minor Piece

Childhood Memories by Paige Huizenga

I walked into my room and threw my stuff on the ground. I was completely exhausted from traveling all day. As I exit my room, I glance above my door. I see my plaque. The plaque I love. The plaque I yearned for. The plaque I worked so hard for. It always gives me joy when I read it. It states:

“This is the day the Lord has made. Let us rejoice and be glad in it.”

My mind flashes back to my childhood. The film of my memory is tinted gold. I’m in my old church. Orange speckled tile, wooden pews, and ugly maroon cushions appear before me. I see the pulpit and see the pastor standing behind it. As my memory progresses, things slowly start to move at a normal pace. My grandma is beside me, holding up the hymnal. I glance to the front of the church. A faint sound of music arises to my ears. I see my mother at the piano. Her face is serious and hands are strong on the piano keys. Her touch of the piano reveals passion. The music is getting louder as I start to smile.

My father is on the left side of the church, playing the electric piano. He sways in an electric manner, moving his head from side to side based on the beat. He sits straight up with his hands accompanying my mother’s. Their music flows together so effortlessly. Their energy consumes the entire church.

Finally I can hear the music in its full intensity. It’s beautiful. It’s joyful. It’s pure happiness. I start to clap my hands with the beat and sing, “This is the Day!” I glance at my grandma and she has put down her hymnal. She looks at me with her loving eyes as she is clapping along with the congregation. I feel the warmth of her smile as I keep singing to the beat.

I look around the church to see my whole congregation enamored with the hymn. Tambourines, maracas, and countless other instruments are scattered. I see them smile and I smile back. There is nothing happier than a hymn filling your heart with joy as you worship.

The music grows faint, yet the joy still remains. I’m back in my room, remembering my childhood , remembering my church. That memory reminds me of how blessed we are to have another day and to remember, this is the day that the Lord has made. Be happy. Rejoice! Enjoy it!