Dear Mom and Dad who sat behind my husband and me in church this morning,
We heard your loud child. We ALL heard your child, who got louder and louder and I could feel the tension between the pews. And I wanted to turn around and tell you two that it will all be ok. But I didn't. I'm sorry!
I remember what it is like to have young children in church who get tired of being still and quiet and sometimes just doesn't understand why their demands are not getting met at that moment. I remember my husband carrying out a child of our own, a child loud and not understanding. I remember the stares. And I felt the tension between the pews and no one saying to me it would be ok.
I wanted so bad to turn around and reach out and say it's all going to be ok. Dad, I could feel your tension. I felt the anger and frustration as you grabbed your child and eventually went out the back door. Momma, I heard you sniffling and your other young child who sat in your lap saying, "It's going to be ok mommy, I'm sorry." I wanted so bad to turn around and say those words myself, but I didn't. I was a complete stranger to you. What if you thought I was crazy. What if you told me to mind my own business. I played the "what if's" game with myself instead of reaching out. I'm sorry!
Today was just an incident. It can be a teachable moment if you and dad can see it that way. God gives us all so many teachable moments and I pray your daughter lovingly was taught and learned from today. I hope you all learned as all of us parents learned.
I want you to know that she will grow and become a young lady one day who moves on in her life. One day you and dad will find yourselves sitting in church as a middle aged couple, sitting by yourselves, listening to a loud child behind you and I hope you two will smile. I hope you two will remember. I hope you have the courage to turn around and reach out and say, "It's going to be ok."
From one who sits alone with her husband in the pews and remembers,
It's going to be ok.
God bless you and your family~
Dear Jesus,
Next time I feel the "urge" to do something, to say something to a stranger, please give me the push to go, to turn around, to speak, to reach out and touch, to say, "It's going to be ok." We all need that. You've helped me to do that with dear ones at a bridge. But with the cleaned up ones with the suit and pretty scarf around the neck, I chickened out. I don't want to be a chicken. When the spirit moves, move me out, move me up, move me backwards, move me wherever you want me to go. Lord, I want to go. And Lord, this dear family behind me, may they laugh one day as they look back at the awkward, embarrassing moment they experienced in church today. May it just be a moment years from now they can look back smiling, maybe laughing, and saying, "remember when?" Maybe it will be that day their grandchild is in church, being loud. Thank you Lord for children, they truly are a blessing, loud or not. God bless all the parents!
In Jesus Name,
Amen
If only more people felt the way you do, Kristin. There are many who feel children should be seen and not heard in church, and knowing this, too many parents become nervous and upset. Well, then there are the parents who are always nervous and upset when their child is restless and noisy. But, you are right, it will all be okay. And, it will all be over too quickly.
ReplyDeleteoh the memories of children in church. We are in your shoes as well, just us now. Good thoughts though.
ReplyDeleteToday, I reached out and prayed for a miracle to happen over a friend's body,a healing of her cancer. In faith we will wait and see what God has in store! It's hard to reach out and do it but I know it blessed her as she smiled at me and she blinked her eyes. She's not talking right now. Oh we need to reach out and touch people for Jesus love us all! Hugs and blessings!
When our children were small, I sat in the nursery for many a service where the service was piped in so we would not miss anything. Later I took out my young children and paddled them for making noise, when I was the one who should have been paddled. It is difficult for children to stay quiet and still for very long. That is why many churches have nursery and toddler care for parents. I learned to bring a book, a mirror and a few quiet toys, and of course Cheerios.
ReplyDeleteGod bless your understanding heart.
ReplyDeleteIt is called radical grace. Something Christians need to offer a bit more of. Thank you for this wonderful reminder!
ReplyDeleteIsn't it easy to talk ourselves out of following the promptings of the Holy Spirit? I heard a question once that I've never forgotten, "What is me feeling stupid for 5 minutes compared to all eternity?" It helps put things in perspective.
ReplyDeleteI seem to remember something about "suffer little children to come unto me"
ReplyDeleteThank you sharing with us here at "Tell Me a Story." Loved your sweet story!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Kristin, for expressing the loveliness and attractiveness of grace ...Jesus always opens His arms in welcome...
ReplyDeleteLol.. i remember being that child, i s dodo remember being the parent of young children who can't be still.. but you are correct, it will be ok and next time you will turn around and smile and say it will be ok.. thanks for sharing
ReplyDeleteI am sure there will be other chances to offer a word of encouragement to a young parent. Bless you and your heart for other.
ReplyDeleteHello; what a sweet prayer. may we all had the courage to reach out to strangers and give them that smile kind word or gesture to let them know it will b okay. thanks for th reminder, max
ReplyDeleteWhat a grace-filled and understanding prayer. New parents need all the grace in the world for themselves :)
ReplyDeleteI really appreciated your thoughts. I've been there and done and felt the same thing. I so feel for the parents that have a loud child in church restaurant or public place. Having the courage to say "it will be ok" can make that families day and give a sense that people really do understand. :-)
ReplyDeleteIt's interesting to see this post written in epistolary form. I try to be understanding of the ways kids are, but it can be a challenge, especially since I don't have (or want) any of my own.
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