Francis' Prayer

Francis is called on to lead the prayer before snacktime. He sits at the little picnic table, his back to the plate of fruit that is today's snack. He begins the usual call and response prayer the toddlers always say: "Hands together." The other eighteen toddlers clap their hands together and repeat in a sing song fashion, "Hands together." "Eyes closed" "Eyes closed" "Thank you Jesus" "Thank you Jesus" "For this food" At this point the more shy toddlers may end the prayer right here or those who are called on more often may go through the ritual of blessing the mamas and uncles and aunties. But Francis decides he needs to cover all his bases and thank God for all the food they are eating today. As the masses respond with the song-like intonation in their phrase, Francis quickly lifts and turns his head and casts one beady eye at the fruit tray, almost like he is cheating at a game of Heads-Up 7-Up. As he surveys the fruit, he tries desparately to keep the other eye closed, as if opening both eyes during a prayer would be a sin. There is a split second delay between when the others finish saying, "for this food" and when Francis turns his head back, bowing it, and shutting both eyes. He continues, "Thank you for the watermelon." Now he has forgotten what else is on the tray so again he struggles to take a quick glance at the fruit tray while keeping one eye closed. "Thank you for the papaya." Feeling like he has sufficiently thanked Jesus for everything now, he relaxes and finishes his prayer. "In Jesus' name." "In Jesus' name" "Amen." "Amen!!!!" the masses shout loudly and enthusiastically accompanied by a few claps.

I just smile and giggle as I pass out the fruit thinking of Francis peering over his shoulder.