1) On our way out of the door, I suddenly realized that we should take a moment to talk to David about baptism. (I wish I could say that my intention was to help him understand more about the teachings of Jesus. But mostly I thought I ought to explain what it was so he didn't think he was going swimming. I had visions of him trying to jump into the baptismal font!) I think our quick thirty-second tutorial, complete with a picture I scrounged up from the Gospel Art Kit, was worth it. David knew to take the service seriously, and, during the actual performance of the baptisms, while he was sitting up in front, right at the edge of the font, with all the other children who wanted a good look, he was very reverent. Just after the baptisms, he looked genuinely touched by the experience. I was surprised. I guess I never expected my impatient, exuberant, often silly three-year-old to feel the Spirit of the Lord. But why wouldn't he feel the same peace of God that I was feeling? Sometimes I forget that David, as a young, innocent child, so recently having left God's presence, is probably more in tune with things spiritual than I, even though he doesn't have the words to explain it.
2) The opening song was "I Am a Child of God." David grinned upon recognizing the song, and confidently sang along. (Three years of singing him to sleep is paying off!)
3) We think David may have developed something of a crush on his friend's 7-year-old sister. She was there last night, and she was clearly the center of his attention. When she was around, he was suddenly "too cool" for Mom and Dad. She was passing out programs, and after she handed one to David, he couldn't wipe the grin off his face. He wanted so badly to go sit on the front row with her and her friends. He looked so longingly at those girls in the front row that I finally marched him up there and asked if he could sit with them. They were kind, and didn't seem to mind at all. David was so pleased to sit right next to the object of his admiration. I could tell he was eager to engage her in conversation. He looked her in the face, and with great confidence, told her, "I have a little pocket." He did indeed have a little pocket. Two, in fact, in his blue plaid shorts. I hope I never forget the image of the cute little boy, who thought of himself as such a big boy, trying to impress the older girl...by pointing out the pocket in his pants. It was adorable. And I think it was the best come-on line ever.
