The Days of Jacob & Nathaniel

If you happened to be at the 9:00 AM worship service on Sunday, April 10th, depending on where you were sitting, you may have experienced one of those precious moments that occur every now and then.

The last hymn of the day, the sending song which was "Days of Elijah" was beginning.  If you are familiar with this hymn, you know it's a rousing, joyful song that has a definite beat to it.  Well, as soon as the music began and the congregation started to sing, Jacob and Nathaniel, little two-year-olds, stepped out in the right hand aisle of the church, between the pews and the wall.  With their fists closed tight and elbows bent, they began to dance in the aisle, jumping up and down with their little arms and legs moving in perfect beat to the music.  It was a long song, but they never quit.  They were oh so into it, and they were oh so adorable!

Of course, those of us who sat on the right aisle end of the pews saw them from the very beginning of the song.  But soon, other members of the congregation spotted them and the chuckles and laughter began to ripple through the sanctuary.  It had to be such a happy sound to God's ears!  When the song ended, Jacob and Nathaniel clapped their hands and hollered "hooray!"  Their actions were infectious; adults were clapping too!

Isn't it amazing?  The message we receive through the innocence of children: they just do what comes naturally!  Jacob and Nathaniel were filled with such joyous enthusiasm, and don't you think that is exactly how God would like to send all of us from worship - with joyous, enthusiastic hearts!

I don't know about anyone else, but whenever I hear the song "Days of Elijah," I know it's going to remind me of the "Day of Jacob and Nathaniel," when they danced for joy in the aisle of St. James Lutheran Church!  I am so happy I was there to see it!

- joyfully written by Margie Rieske