Loving Church with a Toddler

At church 

We're nearing the end of our church meeting, and Elliot is reaching a point beyond restless. Snacks have been eaten, pictures drawn, and picture books perused. And following a trip to the water fountain, we even plop down on the floor behind our pew, (the very last pew) so we can roll a little toy truck back and forth, back and forth across the carpet for as long as he enjoys. 

But the second sermon has just ended, and I make a decision; we're leaving now. Hand in hand, Elliot and I quietly sneak out the back door and don't look back. I ask, "Do you want to go for a walk?" and he delightedly responds, "Yes!"  

When Peter was a little, my life was full of toddler walks, meandering with no destination or plan. Those chances come less frequently with Elliot, and honestly, I am so glad to have this unexpected time together, just the two of us. 

I see Elliot looking out the glass double doors as we leave the church, and I imagine what he sees: a big world just waiting to be explored.

So we do. 

As slowly as he wants.

Whatever he wants.

Toddler walk

The higher circle of concrete surrounding each light post becomes the perfect jumping off spot, and he insists we both stand, holding hands, and jump together, again and again and again. He looks so delighted that I'm delighted too. 

And when we walk by a nearby yard overflowing with dandelions, each with a full head of white hair, I stop and pick one. "Watch!" I blow hard and white fluff rises into the air, bringing pure joy to his eyes. We stay a long time, and when we leave, hardly a dandelion is left untouched. 

Then he walks to a nearby house with not only two large dogs, but also a miniature goat and beautiful ginger cat in the back yard. The dogs rush at the chain link fence, barking wildly. Elliot quickly covers his ears, frightened and excited all at once. He doesn't run off though, and I don't rush him. He stays until the dogs get bored and wander away, and the cat comes nearly close enough for us to pet. 

Beautiful, beautiful, beautiful, beautiful boy

It's hours later now, and I'm laying on the bottom bunk in Elliot's bed, him cozied up beside me. Without thinking, I start singing Beautiful Boy, by John Lennon. It's perfect for the way that I feel. Before I know it, Elliot will be grown, and more than anything, I don't want life to happen while I'm busy making other plans. I want to be here, now, with this beautiful boy. 

"Before you go to sleep

Say a little prayer

Every day in every way

It's getting better and better

Beautiful, beautiful, beautiful

Beautiful boy

Beautiful, beautiful, beautiful

Beautiful boy

Out on the ocean sailing away

I can hardly wait to see you come of age

But I guess we'll both just have to be patient

'Cause it's a long way to go

A hard row to hoe

Yes, it's a long way to go

But in the meantime

Before you cross the street

Take my hand

Life is what happens to you

While you're busy making other plans

Beautiful, beautiful, beautiful

Beautiful boy

Beautiful, beautiful, beautiful

Beautiful boy" 

Church with my toddle didn't turn out the way I imagined today. 

And I'm glad.