What a pastor misses when sitting up front and
Why I like to sit in the back
Looking upon the congregation, seeing each noticeable sign of happiness or joy outburst is like raindrops. When they hit, they are like the notes from Bach's “jesu joy of man's desiring”
To see the child looking backwards, joyfully making faces to a peer, expression like a green meadow soaking up sunlight.
To see a wife grasping her husband's arm and singing like a bird.
To see the 11 month old look back over the mother's shoulder and gaze with contentment into the whole imagined blue sky above.
The husband that puts his hand on his child in the mother's womb and then embraces his wife. No tear in sight. Happiness and fullness from the fruit in the garden.
The one year old that blinks his eyes with a smile, after you blink yours and smile towards him. A touch of the grass and a smell of the flowers.
The father of many, pouring out his heart as if meeting Jesus for the first time. Hands and arms spread out while his heart sings. Like a stream cutting through the green meadow, giving water to its banks.
Separate 11 month olds in the mix take turns, bouncing with the music while held, trying to coax his mother to bounce them more. Like lily's just popping up out of nowhere from the established meadow.
Seeing the lovely woman whose husband has helped her appear lovely. As if they are the one who works the garden.
Securing a child's love from a mother who discretely nurses him under a blanket. The child receiving nourishment and security as if still in the womb. Like the smell of fresh air after the rain. Knowing the ground is watered, and food will abound.
by steve janke
02-21-2010
The man who wails his heart toward God; his heart makes his voice beautiful. As the wailing of winds on hill tops, lets everyone know that this place is all real. Without him, this place would just seem like a photograph. (01-09-2011)