Lisa Witherspoon, Director of Youth and Children Ministry
Most Wednesday mornings at 9:30, you can find me on the chancel steps in our beautiful sanctuary leading chapel with some of our Weekday Preschool students.
We follow a very predictable routine (because that’s what is best for the children). We say a repeat-after-me call to worship with hand motions. Then, John and Anne lead us in some songs. After that, there is a Godly Play story presented by Donna, Phae, or me. We close with a full body prayer and one more song.
Before any of that, though, we begin every chapel session by collectively taking two deep breaths. I lead the children as we inhale, hold for a few seconds, and exhale. Repeat.
A couple of weeks ago, as we were about to begin, one little boy urgently called my name. “Ms. Lisa! Ms. Lisa!” Clearly, he had something very important he needed to tell me, so, before we began, I gave him the floor to say what was on his mind.
“I love this (breathing) part,” he said with a sigh. “It’s so quiet!”
“Me too,” I replied. Me, too.
Our world is so busy and chaotic; so full of “noise.” That “noise” is often amplified even more during the holidays. This little boy reminded me why I started this breathing moment with the children in chapel a few years ago – because we ALL need a moment of peace and quiet now and then. This is even true – maybe especially true – for young children who have very little control over the “noise” in their lives and to whom so many experiences are new experiences.
My prayer for you as we draw closer to Christmas Day, is that you can find moments of peace and joy amid the busyness, the chaos, the “noise.” Remember that others may be needing some peace and quiet, too.
If you are feeling out of control and overwhelmed by the “noise,” take a cue from a preschooler and enjoy a moment to just breathe.
Palms up. Eyes closed.
Inhale.
Hold.
Exhale.
Inhale.
Hold.
Exhale.
Advent blessings to you, friends. 💙
