What’s Going on in the Church Toy Room?
I reached ahead to grab the little hand of the one leaving the pew. He was out of here—per usual! The two-year old’s inner clock was ticking and as if right on que as pastor stepped up to the microphone to begin his message, the little one shared his password as he exited. “Toys!”
Leaving the fishy crackers, cars, building blocks, and water bottle behind, I knew he was a man on a mission! As he headed into the space offered to little ones while the big people were left behind, he knew the course well. Down the steps and to the left he darted. After all, who wouldn’t want out when you are two, and the toys are calling you?
Once in, the door closed behind him with a thud, each and every truck in the toy room was his! The temptation to come tarry this early morn was strong—as were his little legs which carried him quickly. They knew the way.
Little did the throngs above know of the goings on in the church toy room. Not another little soul around to compete with the goods grabbed made it easy for playtime to intensify. In no time flat, every toy with wheels was table top as if set for a banquet—a feast of sorts—all sorted out. Organizing according to color, shape and size was on the radar for the little master of the toy room. So much to do—and so little time appeared to be his motto.
Several trips around the room brought with it confiscated treasures from who knows where, and the rhythm this Sunday morning intensified as each crevice was searched. His focus was not to be messed with as it was clear that he was the one in charge. With such power came the smiles and evidence of the satisfaction it brought.
Once again, like clockwork, he knew, (perhaps by the shuffling of feet from the throngs above) when to pack up that which had been played with, and go back from whence he’d come.
Yup, life is good in the toy room in the church basement where little hearts have space to grow. And as they grow, may we remember to pray for each little heart in the toy room: “For this child I prayed…” (Sam. 1:27).
As you take note of little children making their way in and out of the comings and goings of a service—dropping blankies, toys, and treats, and as their worlds crash in and out of ours, may we remember to continue our prayer for not only this child, but every child.
Once upon a time we, too, were little children in our own little worlds. Someone came along side us to help direct our paths as it speaks of in Isaiah 30:21. “This is the way. Walk in it.” May our guidance now help other little ones.
It is sacred ground you know—this business of growing up. It’s a tender age and stage and much needed are those who come along side to help guide. Amen.
Kathleen Kjolhaug
Picture: Pexels
This article was first published in Theology in the Trenches, a column written by Kathleen Kjolhaug. Posted with permission. Read more articles on her blog, Theology in the Trenches.
