Is there anything more hopeful than 71 third-graders lined up outside the Sanctuary to receive a Bible with their names engraved on the cover?

No there isn’t, I thought to myself, as I stood to the side and watched this sweet Myers Park United Methodist Church tradition unfold on an autumn Sunday morning. Behind them stood a group of moms and dads, some of whom still cling to the Bible they received on their special Sunday years ago. One child on line named John had already counted his name in the Bible 66 times.

Once inside for the Bible presentation, the children promised aloud to read and study the Bible together. As the congregation responded – “We rejoice in this step in your journey with God” – I thought about all these kids lined up moments before outside the Sanctuary, and the sights and sounds that linger…

Chatter. Fidgets. At least one playful jab in a buddy’s back. Hair bows. Cowlicks. Hair gel to combat cowlicks. Too many missing teeth to count. Sneakers. Dress shoes. A few ties. One outrageous pair of madras slacks. At least one “Is it time yet?” At least one gentle “Ssssshhhh” from Miss Sarah (Sumner).

And smiles – pure, innocent smiles, unsullied by the twists and turns of the world that awaits them.

Thank God they’ll have His word to guide them when the time comes.