Do some kids just have music in their souls?

I have always marveled at Cade's interest in music. He was extremely young when we realized he always took notice when someone was playing a musical instrument or singing. He carried a tune from the time he made controllable sounds and he loves -- and that may be an understatement -- "Rock Band." He and his daddy play together and Cade can drum with the best of them -- as well as mimic the guitar action. His current favorite tune is a song by Breaking Benjamin called "I Will Not Bow." He will alternate between holding whatever is handy (a maraca, a flashlight, even a pen) as a microphone or copying the lead guitarist. And he knows all the lyrics.

But one of his favorites has always been church music.

This past Sunday was Payton's first experience at church. Cat and Scott dropped Cade off in the nursery and decided to bring Payton into the church service with them. (Cade was somewhat hysterical as they left him -- very unusual for the little fellow. I pointed out to Cat that it may have something to do with their leaving Cade but taking Payton with them -- that was different in his experience. Cat said, "We did the same thing when Cade was this age." I noted Cade has no recollection of this event, however.)

Anyway, as soon as the music started, Payton perked up and took notice. She was definitely entertained. Unfortunately, when the sermon began, Payton began to scream. (I took her into the narthex and fed her -- I must say that it may not be the sermon as much as the timing, but it was ironic, anyway.)

When we returned, she again was very interested in the music -- and the stained glass windows (no surprise there) -- and cooed and smiled through it all. (I would prefer to think that the cooing and smiling were directly related to YaYa and not so much to the music, but who knows.)

Then at the appropriate time in the service, Cat and I went to get Cade from the nursery in time for communion. They did point out that as soon as mom and dad had disappeared, he stopped crying and started playing.

Again, as soon as we walked into the nave of the church, Cade began swaying and singing to the music. He was very happy to mimic what YaYa was singing. Then he spied the two little pencils in the back of the pew for use in filling out the visitors' information. He took them out and said, "I'm drumming," as he kept time with the music.

I'm encouraging the inclusion of both my grandchildren in the children's choir as soon as they are old enough. I don't know that their interest is unusual, but I have been very impressed.

Meanwhile, the only distraction was Cade's search for Opa. He stopped singing long enough to ask where his grandfather was as soon as we entered the church. I pointed out Tom, ushering at the front of the church -- assisting folks up the steps for communion. Cade searched and searched and then spied his grandfather. The only problem with 2-year-olds is their filters aren't very good. He immediately yelled, "Opa, Opa," for all the congregation to hear.

And speaking of filters, when we finally went up to communion ourselves, Tom took Cade, who now takes the wafer and is happy to be a part of that sacrament; however, he had never taken the chalice. The chalice-bearer offered to let him take the wine, when Cade reached out for it. So with Tom's help, they allowed the liquid to touch Cade's lips. Cade immediately looked stricken and began, "Sour, too sour. Don't like it."

I'm sure God will forgive him. There are some things that are better left to a little maturity.