Makes you wonder

It's just slightly ironic that taking our kids to a church service gives rise to some nagging doubts about them growing up to be profitable, God-fearing citizens. And I sure hope it bothers me more than the people seated around me. I always imagine, worst-case scenario, that some soul, at the end of their rope, will chose this Sunday to attend honestly searching for meaning and purpose in life and we will plop down beside or behind them and throw them off with our squalling and flying snacks and toys. Somebody told me the other day, they started sitting near the front when their children were small so they could see better. But everytime we've ventured up farther than where the ushers stand before they take the offering up, we leave in disgrace. Sure they could see better - the rest of those wishing they'd have sat ahead of us. On the other hand, I wonder what our children behavior would be like had they not warmed a pew or chair (or cooled it as they go rushing by) almost every week of their existence. I'm interested to know if someday they will eventually quietly color the children's bulletin instead of chewing it up. In the meantime, we'll be filling one of the back spaces in the sanctuary with ourselves, our toys and snack crumbs and the air with our noise.