Meg and Nate left for church early this morning in order to practice with the choir for their final performance before the summer "off" season, leaving me to get the children breakfasted and ready to go. Meg had laid their clothes out for me, so it wasn't a big deal, although I always worry that we'll be late. So far, so good!
Meg and Nate go to the Unitarian Universalist Church of Muncie. It is a modern, unobtrusive, brick building set in a little patch of woods. One entire wall of the sanctuary is glass, overlooking the trees. The first time I worshipped with them, we sat and watched deer walk through the woods. Really peaceful! The U.U. Church is truly non-denominational in that it embraces all world religions, drawing wisdom from each. It preaches only the dignity and worth of all people, along with stewardship for the planet and its creatures. Meg and Nate are happy there, and the children love it, too. Many of their ceremonies and traditions mirror Christian traditions (because many of their members are Christian)--and today was one of those: a child dedication. Robin and Ryan were "baptized" today!
Families of the children to be dedicated were called to the front of the sanctuary, one at a time. The parents said the full given name of each child. Then the Director of Religious Education took a long-stemmed red rose, dipped the bloom in water from their last water communion, and touched it to the child as the minister said: "We touch your head so that you may learn to think clearly; we touch your lips so that you may learn to speak the truth; we touch your heart so that you may learn to love deeply; we touch your hands so that you may learn to serve others." The child then received the rose. The parents and congregation responded to a charge to guide each child in truth and love, with the hope that the child will come to know what was done for him/her today.
My grandchildren were angels! Robin, who is totally civilized, was her usual princess self. When it was Ryan's turn (he's only 2 1/2), he did a couple of circles around his father's legs, getting a chuckle from the congregation, until the DRE got down on his level with his rose. Then he stood stock-still with a fascinated look on his face as she touched the rose to him. And his rose was his constant companion for the rest of the morning.
Later in the day, we went out for Baskin Robbins ice cream to celebrate. Yum!
I left for Plainfield around 5:30 without the Frodog. Meg and Nate are dogsitting for me because I leave Thursday for the Dayton Hamvention. Meg already called to say that the pooch appears to miss me...but then she acts that way after they leave here. Wish I could read that dog's mind!
So...I spent Mother's Day with my baby and my baby's babies. Have I mentioned how proud I am of my family??
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