Skipping

She bounced really. Hopped and skipped up

the aisle and through the pew

She was joyous, exuberant

Got excited and told everyone it

was time for communion

She was cute, precocious and was greeted to more

than her share of smiles and laughs

In short she was 3.

. . .

In truth the little girl annoyed Her

kids should not behave

like that in church

Her kids never did, they were

quiet and respectful

the way Her mother raised Her

This did not honor God,

it was rude, a distraction

and as She skipped past

Her eyes rolled.

. . .

Few are aware but Pastor Susan

sees everything

sitting in front has advantages

Pastor Susan watched Leah skip

heard the child repeat the prayers

saw Lois roll her eyes

And after, in a quiet moment

Pastor Susan offers a hug and whispers

"You could skip too, if you'd like."