The Ringbearer's Prayer

There once was a little boy, who like all little boys enjoyed the finer parts of life. The sticky, clay-like feel of a mud puddle, the roar of a toy dinosaur,  or the speed of his bike as his feet turned the pedals.

He had so many siblings that he was never out of playmates.

There were big sisters to scold him; to make him lunch; to listen to his war stories.

There were brothers to tackle and follow. Brothers with massive pick up trucks perfect for climbing adventures.

 He had a mommy who watched him as he swung from tree bough to tree bough by his knees and elbows, baiting her breath and praying that her child Tarzan didn't fall.

 He never fell. He grew stronger, taller, browner, and smarter.

 Every day a new question was found; a new answer needed. There was bit of knowledge the little boy wanted but could never attain.

 He would ask his mommy.
 He would ask his sisters.
He would ask his brothers.

 "Why can't I know my Daddy?"

 The little boy would look at pictures of his daddy. His bright blue eyes staring up at the visage of a black bearded, brown eyed man who smiled down at him. But the pictures couldn't speak. The little boy knew sadness other boys didn't. The little boy grew wiser as he grew smarter. He understood more than his age asked for.

 The little boy's mother would often draw him to her knee, and tell him stories of a great Father, one who loved him more than even she. She would tell him the stories of his father in heaven, and of His love for the little boy. The little boy grew to love his Heavenly Father and wanted to speak to Him. His mother smiled...this was a request she could fulfill for her young son.

 It is a prayer, my child. A closing of the eyes and a folding of the hands with a wish, praise, or penance sent up to the Father. The little boy prayed. He prayed when he lost his favorite book. He prayed when he squabbled with his sister. He prayed when his heart was lonely or sad. He prayed to the Father he knew could hear him.

 The little boy grew to love his Heavenly Father with a love and faith greater than many ten times his age. His heart was tender towards his Heavenly Father.

 One day, the little boy's oldest sister married. The little boy held the rank of ring bearer and carefully held his burden as he took mincing step down the long white aisle. The little boy then sat on the step beneath his sister, listening to a ceremony beyond his comprehension. Sometime during the ceremony, there was a prayer.

The little boy, dressed in a fine white tux, sitting on an uncomfortable seat, listening for a long while, responded to the pastor's call for prayer. He folded his hands. He bowed his head.  He closed his eyes. He knelt by his sister's train. And listened to the pastor's prayer. Of all the prayers uttered in the church that day, the little ringbearer's silent prayer stirred the most hearts. His was the faith of a child, offered up to a beloved father.