Jack takes communion

This morning was communion at church. I love the way we do it in our service: they have tables up front and everyone comes up and sits down at the table and is served, even the pastor and deacons and elders. Anyway, another thing I love is that you can bring your children to the table with you and the elders will pray for them. So I got Jack from the nursery today and stood in line.

This is always interesting, as he is no doubt a distraction for many (mainly his grandparents!!) as he coos, watches the ceiling fans with much intensity, and gives the congregation enormous smiles. He loves the singing, and listens intently. Unfortunately, he often chooses the silent moments to noisily express himself.

So we finally made it to the table, and once we were seated the elder leaned down to pray for Jack. She took his hands and I closed my eyes. It was very sweet and my heart swelled with gratitude for this blessing. She said "Amen," and I opened my eyes, kissing Jack on the head. As she stood up I noticed her kind of wipe her finger on the table cloth, and I felt bad, thinking maybe his hands were wet from being in his mouth.

I struggle with taking him to the table, as it is not quite as deep a time for me as I hold his wiggly body and keep him from pulling the table cloth off the communion table. Also, I know he is a distraction for other people...but at the same time, he is part of the church family and I love that people love to see him and that they pray for him.

So after the church service today I had numerous people come up to me (including Jack's grandma) and say, "That was so funny when he started to suck on the elder's hand!" Oh my gosh. Poor lady! I just hope he didn't try to bite her with his new teeth!

I hope that as he grows older he will learn that when someone lays hands on you to bless you in prayer, it's best not to try to eat their hands.