I love my two-year-old, and I love taking her to church. But don’t be too fooled by her angelic, innocent look. Lately, this little booger has been giving me a run for my money during Sunday morning worship!
When you head off to church with a toddler in tow, there are some things that can always be counted on. Here are the givens…the things I know for sure are going to happen pretty much every single Sunday:
1. I know that she will tell her Bible class teachers that she didn’t have breakfast, because I don’t feed her. (This will happen regardless of whatever I gave her to eat that morning.)
2. I know that even though I’ll take her to the ladies’ room right before worship begins, I will still hear the ever-popular “I gotta go potty!” before the hour is up. Maybe more than once.
3. I know that no matter how many books I bring for her to look at, she will have “read” them all before the sermon even begins and will be looking for something else to do.
4. I know that she’s going to ask me, wide-eyed and in all sincerity, if this is the last song…WAY before the last song rolls around. (Last week that question came after exactly one song and prayer.)
5. I know that if she starts getting too wiggly, I will give in and let her draw with a pen on my bulletin, and I will regret it later that afternoon while I’m scrubbing her dress…and my dress…and our skin.
6. I know that just as soon as I take the communion, she will want to smell my (grape juice) breath, and in her excitement will make a big scene of doing so.
7. I know that even though I’ll wait until the collection plate is only one pew away to give her money to her, she will still drop and/or lose it four different times before it makes it into the offering. And when it finally goes in, it will be LOUD. The louder, the better, evidently.
8. I know that when we stand up for the closing song, I am going to have at least 17 stickers clinging to the back of my skirt (No, that’s not embarrassing at all!), along with several on my arm and a few on the diaper bag.
9. I know that when the closing prayer has been said and everyone else wanders off to visit, I will be down on the floor, digging broken Cheerios out of the pew and trying to corral her sippy cup, crayons, and everything else that seems to have exploded out of her bag.
10. I know that when the service is over I will leave the auditorium worrying about who we distracted, and wondering if we should start sitting closer to the back.
But there are some other things I know, too, and maybe these are more important:
1. I know that no one will be more thrilled than our toddler to wake up and realize it’s Sunday, because going to Bible class is a thrill for her.
2. I know that she will insist on bringing her own Bible and insist on holding it open during the service, because she totally gets that that’s what we’re there to learn from. (Lately, she’s even been holding it right-side-up!)
3. I know that she will try to sing the songs we sing, but in a really, really high voice, and it will make us giggle…and she will still be singing on the way home afterward.
4. I know that no one will get more joy out of releasing money into the collection plate. (She’d add in a big shout and a happy dance if we’d let her.)
5. I know that she’s actually learning while we’re there, and I’ll be reminded of this by her comments and questions throughout the week.
6. I know that she will have a smile on her face for everyone she sees, and that she’ll want to hang out there as long as possible.
7. I know that while I’m worried about who we’re irritating, everyone else is probably giving us a break after all. (Maybe, just maybe, they’re not even noticing the chaos.)
8. I know that each Sunday morning, our sweet toddler is right where she needs to be, and I know she’s establishing a routine that will serve her well in the future.
9. I know that one day in the not-too-distant future, she’ll be sitting quietly beside me instead of climbing on me, and I will miss this stage.
10. I know it’s ALL worth it to have her there each Sunday.
Thanks for stopping by!
Why Amy Smiles 
Comments on: "Sunday mornings with toddlers" (12)
Amy, not only is she NOT distracting anyone else – EVERYONE else is charmed by this little one…..and us older folks are looking at you and your family and having our hopes renewed in the future of the Lord’s church – because we know that you and Troy are raising another generation of faithful Christians who will keep on running the race and shining their lights. Our little congregation here in Palm Desert had only 25-50 members 10 years ago and absolutely NO young people – no babies, toddlers, etc. Today we have about 200 members and 6 new babies born this year…..We LOVE it when we hear those high-pitched squeals and little giggles and the not-so-quiet whispers…..those are the sounds of a loving, growing congregation. Those are the sounds of hope for the future. So, cherish every hectic, busy little moment. Our Heavenly Father is looking down and smiling.
OK, now you made me cry…Your words helped me a lot and I appreciate them so much!
I LOVE it! I have 8 (yes, I said 8) little girls! Our oldest is almost 14 and our youngest is already 5. I sooo can relate to your Sundays. You put it so well, Amy, sort of listing the “ups” and the “downs”. It’s funny how when we look at the bigger and better picture the “downs” really are not “downs” at all. hmmm? Maybe we should just say they are “messy-ups”! Lol. Loved your post. And sweet little daughter is beautiful! God bless you!!!
You’re right, the “ups” sure outweigh the downs. Thanks for your sweet words!
I also know that as I read this, tears filled my eyes as I remembered those same thoughts and feelings with mine. It makes me miss those days so badly!! You are doing the right thing by training her how to behave, but no one notices but you 🙂
My new thing- now that the kids are “bigger” is that I buy some mints and told the kids when asked if they could have the mints themselves…
“I want to snuggle with you at church and give you mints”!!!! Crazy I know, but making some new memories. Keep up the good work!!!
Aww, Ellen…not crazy at all. I know the time goes by so fast. Thanks for reminding me to savor these days.
Amy, hold on to those moments as long as you can and stop worrying! All I notice is that sweet smile I get when she peeks over your shoulder when she has her arms wrapped around your neck :)) Oh,how I miss thos days but I am so thrilled to have that same experience with my sweet granddaughter…takes me back a mere 25 years 🙂 I loved those days. I STILL keep my ‘mom purse’ ready at all times with goodies! I believe yesterday in class she told me she was given food, but no drink!! 😉 Too funny!
Thanks for your encouragement, Cindy. And I’m glad you can take whatever she says with a grain of salt! 😉
LOVE this post! I am very thankful for the example you are to other mothers trying to raise their children right.
Wow, thanks Edy!
Sunday Carson said he wanted to take communion too. He informed me that he was baptized. Apparently, Carys had baptized him this summer in his pool in the backyard. I guess it did distract my communion thoughts, but started me dreaming about his future in the Lord’s church.
We should probably all spend more time dreaming about that! Thanks for sharing this story!