Benediction

the breeze coming through the open air windows

into the long tall sanctuary

had warmed considerably since the congregation gathered

the praise songs had been sung

the gospel of salvation had been preached

the people had been fed at the Lord’s table

the two-hour service was almost done

a mother sat in a pew with three small boys

they were well dressed – bright collared shirts,

long trousers, freshly washed faces –

and well behaved – sitting quietly

through the service, whether attentive or

absorbed in their own dreams, I couldn’t say

the pastor gave the benediction

from the back of the church

the choir sang a final blessing

and as they sang, the mother

placed a lingering hand on each boy’s head

and wordlessly blessed her children

with a grateful glance and a loving touch

she let them know in that moment

that they were precious to her

and to the God she trusted to protect them

 sunday, 8 november

ordinary time 2015
East End Methodist Church, Tortola