There was a lot of activity during church today –  a little more than usual. We sit in a back section for several reasons and have a first hand view of all the commotion. Mostly it comes in the form of parents and children. At the beginning of Mass, I noticed a particularly large family with the husband carrying a car seat, a bunch of kids following along, and the mom bringing up the rear. The dad went back and forth a couple of times with assorted children during the celebration. After Mass, we went out for lunch as we usually do. Once we got settled, who should happened to be seated just behind us was this particular family. My dad had a perfect view and enjoyed watching the mom, dad, and five children. The kids were 2 boys and 3 girls – just like my family. My dad commented that he saw them making the sign of the cross before eating. They were seated with 2 boys and dad between them on one side of the booth and 2 girls with mom between them on the other side. The baby was on the end. This arrangement allowed the mom and dad to be directly across from one another so they could converse while having access to all the children. I thought that was pretty smart. None of the children had electronic devices. They were all very well-behaved except for when the baby enjoyed making a high-pitched squeal to get everyone’s attention – successfully. This was followed by “SHHHH” coming from I think every other member. When we finished our meal, my dad said he just had to go over and chat with the family. He told them that our family was also made up of 2 boys and 3 girls. The mom said that they actually had 2 other older sons who were not with them. They talked a bit before we left. This family left quite an impression on us – particularly on my dad.

I Found God today in a beautiful family.