First Reconciliation

John had his First Reconciliation last night. For those who don't know, your First Reconciliation is when you confess your sins to a priest for the first time. John was very nervous. We arrived at the church and he looked around impatiently. I asked what was wrong. He didn't say anything. I asked "Are you nervous?" He said "Yes. I'm scared." I said "I know. When I was scared before my First Reconciliation. Do you want to hear a secret? Everyone in here is nervous." He had wide eyes and said "How do you know? Because you were nervous? That doesn't mean that everyone else is too!" Luckily at that point it was time to start and we couldn't talk anymore. The ceremony was short and then it was time for the kids to line up for confession.  I waited with John on line. He was still very nervous. And we talked about what he was supposed to say and how the Father was going to talk to him. Finally it was his turn. He sat in front of Father Ben and started confession. I couldn't hear anything he was saying, but I could see his face. He looked so sweet and innocent. I will admit, I got teary eyed watching him. I don't know if it was just the moment or the fact that he is big enough to have these experiences. After confession he came over to me and I asked "Did the Father tell you to say any prayers?" John looked at me and smiled, he said "You know what he said? He said that I should think about how other people feel when I say things." He looked so happy. I told him "I'm so proud of you!" And we walked over to the alter. John pinned his sheep to the board, got his certificate and lit a candle. 

We had to wait for the rest of the kids to do their confessions and then it was time to go. 

I am very proud of John. He did awesome. I am also very proud of Gillian. She was very good throughout the whole night.