Dear Nursery Worker: Thank You For Loving Our Family Like Christ

Dear Nursery Worker,

I came into your nursery with a lot of baggage. Not just a heavy diaper bag slung over my shoulder and a toddler clinging to my side. I came with grief from miscarriages. I came with sorrow from leaving the church we used to call home. I came with fear and uncertainty if this would be the place we could call our church. 

I was a new mom. I had never left my little boy anywhere without me, except on occasion with his grandparents who he loved and knew so well. We were both scared that day. My son and I both didn’t feel ready for any of these changes. 

But you spoke to me. You made me smile and laugh. You reminded me that not all nursery workers were grumpy people forced to be there. 

At the last church we tried, I took my son into a dark, smelly basement where they had their nursery. There were four volunteers and none of them spoke to me or my son until we were leaving. There was one kid crying in the back corner. Two of them looked bored as they sat and simply watched the other kids play.

But you didn’t do that. You spoke to me. You made me feel comfortable. You talked kindly to my son, and made him smile too. When my son was distracted playing, you told me I could go. I watched from the one-way window after I left. I saw my little boy cry, but you quickly scooped him up and cuddled him. You held him while he cried, and then you made him laugh again with silly voices. You made him feel comfortable, and you played with him. 

When I came to pick him back up, I found you rocking him in a chair, because he had fallen asleep on you. You smiled and told me what a joy he was. 

Sister, if you ever feel like your job is useless as a nursery worker, if you ever feel like you’re doing no good for the kingdom, stomp out those lies. You’re loving those children, and you are loving those parents. You’re modeling Jesus; when his disciples rebuked people for bringing their children to him, he said: “Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven,” (Matt. 19:14 ESV). You’re loving the broken, hurting parents. You’re showing little children that they matter to Christ, no matter how small they are. 

Your role is important. Thank you for loving me and my son.

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