My New "Sunday Scaries"

A Sunday Morning with My Toddler

As a young mom, Sunday mornings have taken on a new level of complexity. My toddler, full of energy and curiosity, transforms the simple act of attending church into an adventure. The morning starts with optimism, as I prepare to share this sacred time with my little one. Yet, as the clock ticks closer to service time, and even throughout the service, my heart races with anxiety.

The Challenge of Church with a Toddler

I can already foresee the scene: my toddler squirming in the chairs, her tiny feet kicking the seat in front of us, her giggles escalating to loud exclamations. The inevitable happens—she wriggles out of my grasp, determined to explore the world around her and greet everyone in sight.  OR I embrace the possibility of her doing well in church nursery, but then causing chaos for the most precious volunteers working in ministry that week. My mind races with worries about disrupting the serene atmosphere and drawing disapproving glances from fellow congregants.

In these moments of anxiety, I remind myself of the words from Philippians 4:6-7, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

Seeking Comfort in Faith

My journey to find comfort amidst the chaos begins with prayer. As I buckle my toddler into her car seat, I take a deep breath and whisper a quick prayer for patience and understanding. I ask God to help me focus on the joy of sharing my faith with my child rather than the potential embarrassment.

Once at church, I settle into a chair, and Nick heads to the nursery drop-off armed with a bag of quiet toys and snacks. As the service begins, I feel a familiar pang of anxiety when childrens' numbers pop up on the screen for their parents to pick them up. But then, I remember Matthew 19:14, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” This verse reminds me that my child’s presence is not a disruption but a blessing, and that her innocence and curiosity are encouraged and truly welcomed by God.

Embracing the Experience

As the service progresses, I find comfort in the community around me. I notice the smiles from other moms, the gentle nods of understanding from older congregants, and the compassionate glances from the pastor and elders. I’m reminded that I am not alone in this experience. We are all part of a supportive community, brought together by faith.

The anxiety that once gripped me begins to decrease, replaced by a sense of belonging and gratitude. I focus on the message of the sermon, allowing the wisdom of the scriptures to wash over me. Proverbs 22:6 echoes in my mind: “Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it.” I am comforted by the thought that these moments, however chaotic, are planting seeds of faith in my child’s heart.

Finding Peace in Imperfection

As the service concludes, I breathe a sigh of relief on the weeks she makes it through the service in the nursery, or sometimes I look down at my toddler wobbling back and forth through the hallways. A sense of peace envelops me, and I am reminded that God’s grace covers our imperfections. My anxiety about attending church with a toddler fades, replaced by the assurance that we are all welcome in His house, just as we are.

In sharing this personal journey, I hope to offer encouragement to other young parents facing similar challenges. May we find strength in our faith, comfort in our community, and joy in the presence of our little ones, knowing that each Sunday brings an opportunity to grow together in God’s love. I shouldn't be afraid and anxious to attend church and spend time in the Word, but I am grateful for God's mercy and compassion when the fear overpowers my mind.