Finger Prints on the Font part 4

Now I am the one robed standing on the chancel speaking the words of liturgy. I know that children hear what is being said in the sanctuary. I am now the one witnessing the the eagerness in their eyes and hearts, the deep rooted longing to touch, taste, see and move. I am the one called to encourage those who, out of long years of habit, restrain the eagerness children bring into the sanctuary. I am now the one called to slow down those who quickly clean and polish the sanctuary erasing the evidence children leave behind.

And so it is. We invited members of all ages to help prepare the sanctuary for worship, to light candles and pour water. And so it is that splashes are allowed as well as laughter and movement. And so it is that rippling water in a font attracts the eyes and fingers of little ones. And so it is that most Sundays in with atleast one child on thier tip toes reaching to touch the water only to leave thier finger prints on the edge of the glass bowl. And so it is that our baptism font is no longer maticulously polished immediately after worship, for many in our congregation believe the evidence of finger prints on the font is evidence of God's Spirit hovering over our lives leading us to new beginnings.