by Heather Walton, Guest Blogger
I heard the little one, before I saw her. I was up on the chancel unpacking my guitar. I watched her dance up the aisle chattering away with her Grandma and clutching Minnie Mouse and a tiny backpack. With her blond curls bouncing, and smile beaming, she dropped her jacket and Mouse on the first pew and marched right up the steps to my side where she proceeded to wrap her little arms around my waist, saying “Hi!”
Her Grandma came bustling up behind her, starting to apologize for the little one’s boldness, but I was delighted and I hugged her close.
From that moment on, nothing in the service went as planned. This little one, holding the divine spark that we often don’t take enough time to fan into flame, led us up the mountaintop to worship.
She helped with the singing, and added her own dance moves. Then, she helped me show a picture of another young girl, who was helping to feed her community by placing seeds into bricks.
It seemed fitting somehow to have these beloved children of God renew our hope and calling on a week where there has been such loss and sorrow clutching our hearts across the nation.
Truly life is a blend of sorrow and joy.
In the closing prayer, my little helper waltzed up the steps again just as I was lifting up prayers for the lives lost this past week. She placed a picture in my hands covered in stickers, scribbles, and golden stars. I lifted it high and I and the congregation laughed even as the tears poured down our faces. This tiny sun kissed gal reminded us that even when everything seems to be falling apart, yet we are loved, cherished and held in Holy Hands.
This little light of mine. I’m gonna let it shine
Heather is a people person, and is a lay leader in local city and country churches, She strives to see each person as unique facets of the Creator’s love and grace. She finds it a delight, and challenge to serve such a diverse bunch of folks.
As a former cook, and home day care worker, Heather brings a wealth of lived experience to share. She is Grandma to 7 grandkids, 2 sons, and has been married 47 years to Bob.
Heather has Arthritis and a back injury which has gifted her with an understanding of the shadows we all dance with during our lives at some point. Sometimes life is simply hard, but we can choose to be better or bitter. Being in
chronic pain has given Heather an empathic view of the difficult journeys that many are on. And so, as a writer and musician, her mission is to uplift, encourage, and share kindness in as many ways she can. Just for the joy of it!
Hello Heather, Thank-you for sharing a most wonderful spontaneous and beautiful story.I am a big lover of children with their “Here I am relationship skill”. We have a little niece who is 3 that we prayed for a over a year that her mother would be able to have a healthy and successful pregnacy. Well, Samantha was born on my husband’s birthday. What a Joy! She is definitely a divine spark in our lives. Your many country churches are blessed to have your very powerful mission . “Just for the joy of it”. Look forward to more blogs. I believe the last time we met was at the 10th Anniversary book launch celebration here in London. My picture is on the back cover in the middle of the bottom line of pictures. Miss you with “Soul to Soul”. Maybe our paths will cross again. Theresa
Love it