An Early Alleluia!

Today a young child skipped and skee-daddled up to my communion line to receive a blessing.  I had already admired her lovely Easter dress and striped tights as she headed to Sunday School, worn a week early because - really - who can wait? This little girl first arrived in Advent, brought by her grandparents for the Christmas program rehearsals. They sat together on the steps of our fellowship hall while she learned the songs around the corner - just in case things didn't go smoothly. As Advent progressed, a younger granddaughter tagged along and they all  - grandparents and the littler one - played in the nursery while they waited. 

This morning, she had a sizeable group of admirers there to hear her sing with her Sunday School friends. She and most of the other children made it all the way through the long service, palm branches waving. When she skipped forward to the communion rail, pulling a grandmother in each hand, I couldn't help it - even with the somber ending to our passion story still ringing in my ears and the subdued Lenten hymns in the background. I couldn't help it - I laughed out loud, grateful for the many surprising ways God has been at work in our midst and - on the cusp of a week that can feel more harried than holy - blessing me with this little girl and her joy.  Alleluia!  A week early because - really - who can wait?