​Sundays for Jesus

Sundays for Jesus and time to get up
The sun is shining at seven o’clock.
It peeks through the shades and shines in Gam’s eyes
With a yawn and a stretch thank God I’m alive.

The first voice Gam hears is the littlest child
He’s in pajamas and running wild.
The two oldest Grands sleep until eight
Church starts at nine don’t want to be late.

Sis sings today all the MAX kids do
They’re leading worship in song to the tune
“Way Maker” by gospel singer Sinach
About God creating paths for each of us.

Sis wears a peach dress with rose-colored shoes
Bubba wears khakis cause that’s what boys do
Baby brother gets hot so it’s cotton shorts
Two-year-olds run in circles like a sport.

The Grands know the drill that each morning brings
For five days a week, the school bell rings.
Grab a quick bite, comb your hair, brush your teeth
Time to make beds, fluff pillows, and fold down sheets.

Sis flies up the stairs she’s the first one ready
Her aura’s so colorful it abounds like confetti.
She watches Gam as she puts on her face
Rouge, mascara, and lipstick in a case.

Next up the stairs is Bubba, he’s five
He’ll tell you straight up he’s not singing for a while.
Too many people looking out from the crowd
He says when he’s six he’ll try singing out loud.

Everyone is ready time to hop in the car
The ride takes five minutes it’s not very far.
Park on the side next to the children’s wing
Skip down the sidewalk and get ready to sing

Baby brother goes to the nursery to play
He whimpers a bit but will go with Miss Kay
Mom walks down the hallway and slowly turns around
Baby brother says ‘momma’ in his sweet little sound.

Gamma leads the way to the front of the church
It's near the pulpit so Sis needn’t search
For the family in a congregation that’s big and tall
It’s important to be seen for one so small.

Gam and Sis do a thing before the singing begins.
Sis spots Gamma quickly and out comes the grin.
Gam smiles big time and waves to her Grand.
Sis smiles and giggles and waves with her hand.

After the singing Sis comes to sit down
Listening carefully to the new preacher in town.
Dr. Thomas cracks jokes, Sis lets out a chuckle
She goes back to the word search and works on a puzzle.

The Grands are in preschool and kindergarten
There was wiggling, jiggling, some pushing and shoving
All in all, they did well sitting in worship service
Gam’s proud of the effort while reading Bible verses

There was something that Sis didn’t quite understand
The Baptismal pool up above the rock band.
The preacher explained sin, salvation, and a snake
But Sis was more curious about the water being fake.

After church, the family picked up Baby Brother
He was excited and thrilled to see Mother.
They all wanted seafood at Red Lobster for lunch
The cheesy, buttery biscuits were calling to the bunch.

Arrive at the restaurant and check out the lobster
Pressed up against the glass looking like creepy monsters.
Their tiny beady eyes and antennas for touching
And gigantic claws meant for predator-crushing.

Sit down at a table for five not a booth
Kids meals and dessert for a sweet tooth.
Crayons and paper to occupy their time
Mom did a word search and Gam wrote a rhyme.

After excellent service all were full
Load up the car, and buckle up, it’s vital.
Arrive at home, fast break, change clothes
Grab shoes, or sandals to protect the toes.

The biggest discovery on Sunday afternoon
Was Sister’s confession Jesus rose from the tomb
On the third day after dying on the cross for our sins
She’s ready for baptism, praise the Lord, Amen.

Gamma says, “Just a second; this won’t take long.
Keep playing the game or try singing a song.”
So the two wait in silence like good children do.
Until Gamma stops talking to who knows who.

Though the watching’s relentless and much in demand
Gamma keeps watching her sweet little lambs.
Do they tire? No sir. They’ll go ‘til they drop
Is it a second wind? Yes, maybe. Hippity-hop.

To keep sleep at bay, the music comes on.
The louder the better to halt all the yawns.
The tunes keep the beat, whether country or pop,
The tempo that’s the bounciest is probably rock.

As the clock ticks away, it’s abundantly clear
That bedtime’s approaching and drawing near.
“One more time,” they say with a look and a “please.”
Gamma keeps watching, then laughs, and agrees.

The finale’s a big one; ideas float about
It’s off to the corner to map out the route.
An obstacle course with pillows and chairs,
blankets, couch cushions, and a four-foot stuffed bear.

Off they go. It’s a race to see who will win.
When one of them loses, they’ll both try again. 
It’s late; they confess and are ready for bed.
Brushing teeth and pajamas doesn’t sound too bad.

Now to the bedroom for more kisses and hugs.
Tucking sheets tightly so they’re nice and snug. 
Off go the lights, say a prayer, and drift to sleep.
It’s been a good day, and the watching’s complete.

Gamma kicks off her shoes and breathes in the air.
Looks at the toys scattered here and there.
Reminisces and ponders all the hugs and wet kisses
doled out by two children with hopes, dreams, and wishes.

​