The simplicity of the child often surpasses the complexities of the adult.
Henry sits in church just about every Sunday. Much of time he is occupied in his own little world which occasionally gets interrupted by Ava and/or Ella. Some of the time he tries to follow along yet his reading level doesn't quite cut it quite yet. He sings a few songs by heart, but only when his heart is in that place. And the Lord's Prayer--he recites faithfully.
Not too bad, I'd say, for a first grader. Not bad, I'd say, for a young boy who can't sit still for more than five minutes (unless, of course, he's on a screen--which, by the way, has been revoked for an undetermined amount of time for all three kids. Maybe that's another blog post). Not too bad, I'd say, for a boy growing up with both an older and younger sister; both of whom can be a handful for Henry to stand up against.
Henry's an affectionate person. He's a sensitive to the world around him and to how he fits into it all. He's not particularly creative yet he certainly has it in him (if he'd only apply himself--lol). He would rather talk than write...and although his handwriting is improving--it's maybe better that he does talk while quietly practicing that handwriting of his. He's wonderful at physical activity, is considerably coordinated when swinging a bat or a golf club (thanks Grandpa!!). He has an eye for where the soccer goal is and his kick is powerful when he truly focuses on it. He's a quick little man and could easily clear 3-4 feet in a long jump...landing square on his feet.
Put it all together and you have quite a boy there. Oh...and he's cute, too!
He sat in church with us last Sunday. Before the service started he found himself an offering envelope and pencil. Reaching under the pew he gathered to himself a bible...he was going to use it as something to place his envelope on so he could write or draw. Something that all of our kids do at least once per service. Lindsay sat between me and Henry. She spied what he was working on and nudged me. I looked over and saw something that only a child could produce...at least in its simplicity and genuine origins---that is---straight from the heart.
He looked at both of us and smiled that Henry smile. A rush of love swirled around us as we read what he had written. And not only what he had written but how the envelope was placed on the bible as he beamed for his work.
A smile from both his parents he received. Lindsay wrapped her arm around him and gave him the ole "I'm sitting next to you hug"; pulling the left side of his body lovingly to her right side.
I'd love to write more and describe what we saw that early Sunday morning. But I'd rather leave you with some words from the very bible that he used as a something to give him stability as he expressed himself through his written word.
Matthew 18:3
And he said: "Truly I tell you, unless you change and become
like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of
heaven."
