It's not usual that someone sits front and center at church. But today, there was a family - a dad and his two kids - sitting quietly in the front row. The little boy, who couldn't be more than 5 or 6-years-old was sitting next to his older sister, his dad on her other side. The only other observation to point out is that the boy has Down Syndrome.
It wasn't until it was time for the anthem that I understood why this family of three were sitting where they were. Performing a solo was the mom of those two kids; the man's wife. She quietly took her spot at the altar in front of the microphone, placed her music in front of her, and the organist began to play. What came next literally brought tears to my eyes.
The woman had a beautiful voice. It seemed to come out of nowhere, with so much ease and confidence. A true God-given talent. But it wasn't her singing that brought the emotion to my soul. It was the reaction of her family.
I saw the look of love written all over her husband's face, the quiet appreciation over her daughter's. But it was that little boy that held my attention.
Every ounce of his being beamed with pride and admiration for his mama. He encouraged her all the way through while he waved and blew kisses her way. He quietly clapped his hands, trying his hardest not to jump out of his seat, occasionally reaching his arms in the air as if to say "Yeah!"
I couldn't contain my smile and pure enjoyment out of watching him love his mama with so much heart. Despite his sister's attempts to restrict his movements, he kept at it, smiling broadly. So proud. His reaction truly melted my heart, though I was saddened by his sister's feeling that she needed to temper his true personality. His blissful form of expression.
In all honesty, I think we can all learn a lesson from this young boy. He reminded me today that we should all love those around us with all of our heart, all of our being. We shouldn't be embarrassed to beam with pride and throw our hands in the air if we are overcome. We shouldn't be inhibited to dance when we know someone is watching.
I'm grateful that this little boy was sitting in that front row this morning. I am certain that he is a gift to so many more than his family. I know, today, he was definitely a gift to me.
