With the final Amen
she watches her children
race down the aisle
arms wide open,
smiles across their faces,
their bodies wrapped
in an embrace
they go back
for more hugs
and laughter.
She listens
to their questions,
“Where’s Mr. Dennis?”
“Can we see Shirley?”
She listens to their prayers
just a beat behind
the congregation
she sees them dance
and sway to the organ
she watches it all
marvels at their love
and shared joy
how she sees God at work.
Perhaps this, too,
is the way God reveals grace
like bread and wine
sacred stories shared
forgiveness given and received
hands sharing peace
and now this:
the ministry of little children.
Kimberly Knowle-Zeller is an ordained ELCA pastor, mother of two, and spouse of an ELCA pastor. She lives with her family in Cole Camp, MO. You can read more at her website, follow her work on Facebook, or sign up for her monthly newsletter.