Then reality hits...a baby whose normal bedtime is when the service is just beginning. It has been slightly discouraging to miss virtually all the preaching for having to take Kendall out of the service. Michael is great to help out with her but is typically busy with church related duties, sound and treasury stuff. I'm just being honest when I say I've struggled with even going a few nights. What's the point? I'm gonna make a motion to have all church services in the mornings because that is her good time :).
As dis-hearting as it is I wouldn't trade my sweet baby girl for anything! And I know this is a season in our life and is so worth it. A friend recently told me that you keep going to teach your kids that's what we do. Living for God is the most important thing in our life. I hope all this will one day stick with Kendall even if we spend a lot of time in the church foyer and nursery right now.
I saw this little inspiration and thought I would share. It made me feel better. The author is unknown. And I have to say, not everyone that sits in the back of the church is a "bad guy". One family has especially been a blessing to me just by some simple encouraging words.
BRING THOSE BABIES TO CHURCH
My heart goes out to the parents of small children. I know first hand the kind of problems they face. Training up a toddler in the way he should go is a constant job, a continuous battle, seven-day-a-week task, not to mention an awesome responsibility. After six days of their whining chorus at home and three hours of embarrassment while shopping, the last thing some young mothers want to face is an hour of agony and humiliation at church.Many young mothers have asked herself, "Why do I keep bringing them to church?" As she enters the auditorium she utters a silent prayer that the kids will be good and the sermon short. The service begins. While mother is picking up toys, drying eyes, wiping noses, swatting, scolding, trying tosing, listen, and pray, the toddler is pouring juice on her dress. To the toddler, church is an exciting adventure. Song books are a challenge to take, stuffed toys make great missiles to launch over four or five rows, and the collection plate would make a great hat. Young parents take heart! Let me assure you of this:
1. Your children do not disturb others nearly as much as you think they do.
2. If people without children are determined to sit at the back of the church, then they deserve any distraction they get.
3. Most people really do understand your plight and remember back to the days when their children were infants and toddlers.
4. Remember that you are both wanted and needed in the worship service.
5. Have faith that the hand, which now hurls crayons, will one day spread the seeds of the Kingdom.
2 comments:
Don't be discouraged, dear girl. If you don't get to be in the service, it's still good to be around God's people. And in no time she'll be sitting by you and coloring or writing...maybe while you're holding another little one :)
I well remember those days. At the time Emily was a baby, we were driving sixty miles one way to church and she HATED the car seat. There were many days that I asked myself if it were worth it. But, just as you told yourself, this time will pass quickly~even more quickly than you can imagine~ One day soon she will be a big girl who can sit by Mommy in church as sweet as can be. Hang in there! I love your attitude. God Bless You!
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