The Beatles were right...love is all there is

It's funny the things that you remember from your early childhood.   Let me tell you about a memory from when I was a shy 3 year old.

We lived in a new neighborhood in the suburbs of Nashville, TN.  WWII had been over for several years and couples were marrying and having children.  It was a hopeful time in our country and a great time to be a child.

My mother had just joined a new church in our neighborhood.  We met on Sunday in Dalewood Elementary School auditorium.  The choir and pastor were on the school stage flanked by maroon velvet curtains with gold trim and the congregation was seated in rows of brown metal folding chairs on the floor below.

I enjoyed the first part of the service where everybody stood up and sang hymns.  And the offering always got my attention...Mama would give me a dime to drop in the big heavy offering plate as it was passed down our row...but the sermon...well, the sermon was just background noise for my nap!

Have you ever tried to take a nap in a metal folding chair?  It's not easy...even for a short 3 year old.  I remember trying to lie down with my head in Mama's lap...the rest of me on the hard metal...legs scrunched up...trying not to get my shoes on the person next to me. 

But one Sunday as I was getting properly scrunched...an elderly man seated next to me, looked down at me, smiled and whispered "You can put your feet in my lap if you want to."  I shot Mama a look to see if it was okay and she nodded her approval.  I smiled shyly and slowly stretched out...enjoying the freedom and went right to sleep!

Why do I remember that one snapshot in time just like it was yesterday?  I think it's because there is no small act of love.  All love is big...and it rings true in the heart who receives it whether they are 3 or 103.  Love really IS ALL THERE IS! 

Comments

[real live preacher]

I love that story!

[nancy]

what a lovely memory

[bonniebluedenim.blogspot.com]

thank you for the reminder.