He had never been to church before but joined the children’s group in the adjoining hall. Reggie has particular needs but joined in eagerly as we chatted and wondered about this Jesus and the new life he brings.
During our craft time the door open and in walked the vicar with a server in full Easter robes. They were carrying a sprig of rosemary with which to bless people. She explained that the adults in church had been sprinkled with this special water and would the children like it as well?
Eagerly they all jumped up to receive this blessing including Reggie who was eager to get to the front of the group. The water was duly sprinkled much to the sheer joy and delight of all the children. Reggie was delighted jumping up and down.
At the end of the service, I usually have a minute or two to tell the adults what we have been doing in the children’s group. As I got to the water bit Reggie could not contain himself: “water, more water I want more water!” He came and stood beside me at the front of the church, and I asked what was the special name for the sprinkling? With some difficulty but with a face that showed such joy he got the word ‘Blessing’ out and yelled” More water, more blessing!”
In all the profound, joyous and challenging moments of Holy week, this child’s eagerness for blessing brought me to tears and I started to wonder- how many other children out there would recognise blessing if only we gave them access to it? Their innate ability to wonder should challenge us all to seek more spaces and times when other “Reggies” can also sense the power and presence of God.
Perhaps we should all desire to be a bit more like Reggie; to look with childlike wonder and to be more open to receive more of God’s blessing in whatever way he chooses.
Jean