What I Love About You

The girls and I were running late for church this morning since my husband was called into work last minute. We managed to find a parking spot in our church parking lot, which at this Mass is unusual!   As I walked across the lot to the front door, I happen to notice a van with the license plate, “Boymom.” I sent the girls ahead to find a seat while make a quick stop to the restroom. My thought was, we are late, they will sit in back so hopefully no one will notice me coming in after them.  I was wrong, they sat right in the middle. Just the girl crew…so I quickly slipped in and barely made it for the Gospel.

Immediately, I noticed the large group who I hadn’t seen before.  As the Director of Faith Formation, I know most of the kids and families so I knew we had visitors.  I made a mental note to welcome them. But as the Mass progressed, I didn’t need a mental note, I fell in love. In the pew were six boys (ranging from ages 8-13?) and two women who anchored them.  There was a lot of fidgeting and activity, (not loud), just between them. But it all involved being loving; hugging, kissing, correcting, accepting, overlooking, more correcting, hugging and kissing. (Kind of in that order!) They were not typical pre-teen boys and there seemed to be at least one who needed a lot of extra love from his older brother.  The women alternately corrected and re-directed.

It was beautiful.

It was holy.

It was Love.

I could  sense by the women’s faces that they were feeling a little self-conscious but my daughter’s and I just enjoyed the view. I had a feeling that they would high-tail it as soon as possible so as I went up to Communion, I touched one of the women on the shoulder and told her how much I enjoyed watching the lovefest.

She said, “I feel like I am going to cry! They’re so disruptive!” (Obviously,  she isn’t familiar with our church! ha!)

I said, “Not at all, they are lovely and they are here!  We are enjoying watching them!!”

I should point out that these kids had clearly been regular church goers as they followed along and were completely silent and attentive during the consecration. Amazing.

I like being affectionate during Mass with with my kids. I want them to always feel God’s love while in church.   (I did have bad days…obviously, but I never wanted them to equate church with negative feelings, so I tried!) So to see someone whose hands are so completely full trying to do that same was just plain lovely and inspiring. Which is why they made my day.

It was just plain love.

It was like I could hear them say to one another at different times, “ya know what I love about you is, you accept me.”

“What I love about you is, you understand me.”

What I love about you…is….

That is God. Always. Seeing what is lovable in us.

This past week has been horribly destructive. Some have forgotten the sanctity of life….but not these boys…not the “Boymom”. She is building loving citizens and that love they share with each other will ripple…it already has.

Have you seen love up close today? If so, where?