03-25-2008

7 Things I Learned in the Church Nursery

By Renae

Easter Sunday I narrated the story of Jesus’ resurrection to five little children. Leaning forward, I whispered,

What did Mary find in the tomb?

A fidgeting boy blurted,

A dinosaur!

Not quite the answer I expected. Church seems to last longer when you serve in the nursery, but moments like these bring smiles that melt the minutes.

Ferdinand Georg Waldmuller, Children Making their Grandmother a Present, 1793-1865

I’ve learned a few things from safekeeping toddlers, whose attention span depends on how many animal crackers they get to eat.

  1. Thoughts boldly spoken may induce laughter.
  2. Friendship is easy. Blocks bring everyone together.
  3. Big hugs make everything better after a fight.
  4. If you are sad, or hurt, or happy, let someone know.
  5. Dancing is a natural response to music.
  6. Simple things bring the most joy.
  7. Love is understood by our actions, more than our words.

What lessons have you learned from children?

Related posts:

  1. Strolling in the Woods of Innocence
  2. Just in Time for Mother’s Day
  3. Preserving Sanity

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15 Comments

  1. Sunniemom 03-26-2008, 5:48 am

    Children are a picture of the Garden of Eden- they run around naked and unashamed, they are always putting things in their mouths that they shouldn’t, and the answer to every question is “It’s not my fault!”.

  2. Renae 03-26-2008, 7:17 am

    Sunniemom,
    That is hilarious! Thanks for the laughs. I’ll never see my children the same again. :)

  3. Michelle at Scribbit 03-26-2008, 11:53 am

    Too cute–sometimes I found small children overwhelming and now that that time in my life is passed I missed that kind of sweet comment.

  4. jen 03-26-2008, 12:04 pm

    bless you for doing this duty im sure it was appreciated
    that little made me smile

    I LOVE it when little children discover something new and their whole face and their eyes light up

  5. Emily 03-26-2008, 1:40 pm

    Those are funny. I’d add that a mid afternoon snack/treat goes a long way in making a kid happy. OH man, what a fruit snack can do. :)

  6. Debbie 03-26-2008, 2:03 pm

    My kids are all grown, but now I have grandkids that I have enjoyed with those kinds of answers. Thanks for sharing “the dinosaur” story. Thanks for being you. Your daughter ate with us the first time B came with me and she was a complete joy. We thought we were making her feel at home and all the time she was making us feel that way HA!!! thanks again for sharing

  7. Renae 03-26-2008, 8:18 pm

    Michelle,
    Thanks so much for visiting. Small children do require lots of care and comforting. I remind myself often that soon they won’t want so many hugs.

    Jen,
    That is one of the reason I like homeschooling so much. I get to see the “aha” moments.

    Emily,
    We don’t have fruit snacks in the packaged sense, but my kids enjoy apples at all times of the day. I think I need to grow an orchard. :)

  8. Renae 03-26-2008, 8:20 pm

    Debbie,
    Thank you so visiting and leaving a comment. I’m glad you enjoyed the story and my little girl. Children have a way of welcoming us into their world.

  9. Daisy 03-27-2008, 11:00 pm

    Dh and I taught the 3-5 year olds at our old church for 13 years. And a little child shall lead them was never more true.

  10. Jennifer in OR 03-28-2008, 6:39 pm

    Hmmm, I’ve learned that one giant batch of homemade playdough can fill an entire day….and can fill socks, clothes, hair, and every crack in the floor as well.

    And I learned the solution to hell from my 5 year old today…you’ll have to check my blog tomorrow for the answer!

  11. Kysha 03-28-2008, 6:46 pm

    Children can say the most hilarious yet clever things. Great lessons!

  12. Renae 03-29-2008, 8:44 am

    Daisy,
    That’s longevity! I know the children were blessed by you, as well.

    I am actually wanting to move out of the nursery. My youngest will be going to the next class, and I prefer serving where my kids are.

    Jennifer,
    That’s the truth! I look forward to your post.

    Kysha,
    Thanks. I never expected that answer! I love the imagination of children. Why wouldn’t a dinosaur be in a cave? :)

  13. Velvia 03-29-2008, 8:56 pm

    Hi Renae!
    Kids are one of our greatest teachers as moms/grandmoms. When God is trying to teach me something, He usually uses my kids and/or grandkids. They teach us patience, demonstrate grace, and help us to laugh at ourselves. What a blessing!
    Velvia

  14. Kiwi and an Emu. 04-2-2008, 2:53 am

    […] shares with us the fruits of working with experts in her post 7 Things I Learned in the Church Nursery at Life Nurturing […]

  15. Hopeful Spirit 04-6-2008, 11:51 am

    Great post. I’ve also spent time in the church nursery and learned that, after a certain age (about 2-3), bodily sounds bring fits of laughter. Just go with it. :-) Thanks for contributing it to The Seventh Day - Blogging’s Best Edition. The Carnival is now live at On the Horizon! I hope you’ll visit and check out the other great submissions. Blessings to you on this beautiful Sunday!

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