Michael at Church Today

Today Michael was assigned to read a scripture in Primary. But since it was testimony meeting this week, he decided he wanted to tell his scripture to the whole congregation as well. As soon as he could, he eagerly marched right up to the podium. Sadly, someone else went up right in front of him, probably thinking he was a child on the loose instead of someone who wanted to speak. He turned around and you could just see the disappointment welling up as he walked back. His eyes teared up as he loudly gave us (and everyone else) his sad play-by-play of what just happened. We pacified him by having him go to the front row so he could be first in line for the next turn. Of course everyone was watching by then and the other lady let him go first. He confidently stepped up to the podium, mouth on the mic, wiped away one last tear, and delivered. " '...be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only...' James, chapter 1, verse 22. And I just want to bear my testimony, that if you are good, or bad, you can just be happy. In the name of Jesus Christ, amen."
Lots of smiles in the room. It was hard not to laugh out loud at a) the "or bad" part and b) the conviction that he delivered it. He had read the scripture earlier, but he decided right then and there to add the bit at the end. His confidence is astounding, particularly when facing a room full of people. I hope he never loses that total lack of inhibition. It is one of the most joyous things about him.