We have a policy in the Bible school nursery: if the child is inconsolable, we bring her/him to her/his momma. It’s a good policy, don’t you think? Because it breaks our heart to see these little ones cry…and plus the momma’s right there on the premises somewhere—in a classroom, or serving snacks, or helping out in the art room.
(We do try to calm the child down first; after all, it’s good for the momma to have some “her” time, too.)
(That is to say, as much “her” time as she can get in a room packed full of kids.)
Well, there is a 2-year-old little girl in our nursery—a sweet little bit of a little blonde thing—who’s been reserved but resigned to her time with us. Her patience ran out yesterday, however, because her momma stopped by to give her a hug.
First mistake.
She shuddered; she started to blink very fast; and then the sobs racked her body. Time to go find that momma, we knew! “I’ll take her,” I said, and scooped her up.
(The tears were streaming down her cheeks.)
(Poor Sweetie.)
(I got a move on.)
The problem was, it’s hard to hurry when you’re me. Why? Because, well, I tend to talk a lot…and I kept running into people I knew. (I’ve been helping out at this Bible school for eight years now; I know a lot of people!) Eventually I did make my way down the three flights of stairs and arrived at the cafeteria, which is where I believed the momma to be.
Except…we didn’t need her anymore for one good reason: the little gal in my arms had long since stopped crying.
She’d plum forgotten why she was.
That's so sweet, Margaret! See how your friendliness and congeniality can console the inconsolable! What a gift. Next time you have a tearful one, just take them on a little social run through the building with you! 🙂
I don't know, Charlotte. I was going to joke that my conversation bored her to tears but I guess it had the opposite effect!
The little one realized she was receiving the nuturing and reassurance she needed in this unfamiliar situation!!! Blessings upon you and the other nuturing individuals in the nusery!!!!!
Can I come and play too 😉
Isn't that the way we all are…worrying ourselves for so long we eventually don't even remember why? Of course, I guess that's why you told the story. 😉
So, when my kids become inconsolable…I can just bring them to you? Wonderful! THAT'S an answer to prayer, Margaret! To bad we live about 10 states away. Sigh.
What these ladies don't know is that not only do you console the unconsolable, you RUN the nursery. She is a firm taskmistress, but very benevolent! Margaret, it is such a pleasure to be in your company and to work for you yet again this year. Fortunate to be your friend and (sometimes not so) dutiful servant. Did I mention I love it that I get to drink coffee with you?