Reflection-Our Father

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Trinity Episcopal Church
44 East Market St.
Bethlehem PA 18018-5989
610-867-4741

Our Father, Who Art in Heaven...
A reflection by Jill Long, May 2001

This past Sunday, I had a Special Moment.

The day started out in the usual way with Gerry and me getting up early. He had gone to 5:00 Mass Saturday and was golfing with the guys. The house was quiet while I made my tea and went to the back porch on this gorgeous morning. There were a few birds who remembered that I fed them last year and they let me know that they were hungry. One of them kept flying into the screen door of the porch, then would chirp loudly, but sweetly. I looked up to find many birds outside on the porch furniture. just waiting. I still had some seed from last year and the 'crowd' was fed. It was a special moment, being remembered by some birds, each one fashioned by God. A simple pleasure at providing breakfast was a special moment, but not THE special moment.

My son, Doug, called to ask me out to breakfast with his family. Could I meet them around 9? Of course! My day now had this bonus and it wasn't even 8 am. They were coming to Trinity this day and I was excited to share that time with them. But, now, Doug had added a special moment to my day with this call. However, it wasn't THE special moment.

We met at the Lantern--Doug, Jamie, Kaitlyn (3) and Logan (1-3/4). Kaitlyn was carrying her little 'Kelly' doll and looking so sweet in her jumper. She slid into the booster chair and gave me that winning smile. It was a moment, but not the special moment. Logan, who seems to smile all the time, sat in the high chair and played with the paper mat. We enjoyed the kids and each other. Soon we were off to Trinity with time to spare.

We walked over to God's Little Acre, where the children could run and shout. Kaitlyn took off down the walkway and Doug walked down to meet up with her. I could see her little white sandals moving quickly and her pony tail bouncing. About 50 feet in back of her is Doug, the father, trailing his daughter. Was it so long ago that I was the mother trailing Doug, the son? Those memories are special moments that find their way to the surface and bring me such happiness.

We walked to church and Kaitlyn went to Sunday School and Logan to Nursery. This was their first Sunday School experience. I hadn't been down in the Sunday School rooms on a Sunday in many years. That is a very busy and loving area. I taught there 20 years ago. My kids grew up at Trinity. The moments were coming at me fast.

I'm usually an 8 o'clock girl. I really appreciated the addition of the wonderful music and Father Nick's chanting at the 10:30 service. I sat next to Jamie, who is expecting in September, and thanked God that I could be at this service with my family. Special moment? Yes, but not THE one.

So now I get to the Special Moment. The children returned after Prayers of the People. Kaitlyn had a picture to show us and Logan wanted to be held by me. He was fascinated by the singing and the altar and the candles. He stayed close to me in my arms. As I said the "Our Father", he put his cheek to my lips for the whole prayer. The prayer became a joyful whisper on the soft, warm cheek of this child of God. And, for that most Special Moment, and for all the others (it wasn't even noon!), I gave thanks.

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Trinity Episcopal Church
44 East Market St.
Bethlehem PA 18018-5989
610-867-4741