Generally, when one has a kid, there is an understanding that worship will be different. You may not be able to listen to the sermon as well (at all?). You may miss some of the songs (discipline issues? Poopsplosion?). You may only get to hear the first half (or third?) of a prayer.
But, following the wise advice of an older mom, I have found that one area has improved for me. I have been better able to focus during communion.
Now, please don’t misunderstand me. I have stood and bounced, rocked, nursed, cuddled, and cajoled a fussy baby. We have our days. We have our weeks sometimes. Sickness, stubbornness, and silliness can all be a challenge on occasion.
But stay with me.
Communion might even get better after you have kids. Here is what my friend shared with me.
You might think of the Lord’s Supper as another high pressure point–after all, it should be at least somewhat quiet, just like in the sermon, which of course means that your kid is much more likely to cry, talk, giggle, etc. Toss goldfish, puzzles, and books in their direction until they find something to occupy them, right?
Maybe not.
What my friend did was something a little different. And of course, not every Sunday worked out like this. But the ones that did were amazing.
First, she would hold her two little girls in her lap. In an intimate whisper, she would tell them the best story ever told. She would tell them of Jesus. Of his life, of his great love, of his sacrifice, of his undeserved pain, and of the wonder of his resurrection. She would tell of the Last Supper. Of what the bread and grape juice symbolized.
And she told them how very special this was–and that some day, they too would participate in these special moments focused on the Savior. They too would get to take part in Communion. That they too would be a part of the greatest, blood-bought family there is: the church.
And in telling them that precious story, she herself absolutely focused on the most important subject there ever could be: Christ and his sacrifice. She was focused, not just in bringing herself closer to Christ but teaching her children to do so as well.
Today, her kids are grown. These beautiful, Christ-like women each have talents they use for God. And now, they each participate in the best supper there is–the Lord’s Supper. They give me hope and renewed energy. Their very lives and examples encourage me to keep on doing this tough but rewarding job of motherhood.
May you be encouraged to do likewise.
Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.
Hebrews 12:1-2
Be encouraged by these posts as well!
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- Just Ask Joseph: Running from Sin - May 28, 2018
- Learning from Grace: Lessons in Servanthood - April 18, 2018
Thank you so much for sharing that! That’s a beautiful way to share the meaning of communion with children. I may even use this when my husband and I have kids!
I love that! What a beautiful lesson she taught them, and shared with us. There are so many things I wish I could go back and do over when my kids were small, but I’ve found it’s best to just focus on making the most out the season we’re in.
What a great idea; to bond together in Christ!Thank you for sharing this idea!
It’s so good to teach children why we are participating in each part of worship. Thanks for sharing this.
What a neat and lovely idea! I like this very much and will share with other fellow mommies! God bless!
Never too young to teach children about Communion
This is beautiful! I believe sharing these intimate moments with your children is so important! Showing them & telling them how important Jesus is and explaining the reason for taking communion is a must. Wonderful post!
My friend said she realized recently that her infant son received communion through her. It was such a beautiful realization that we both cried.
For me, Communion is welcoming the will and the presence of God into my very being. I think of it as powerful spiritual warfare.
Great ideas on engaging your kids in communion! As a kid I remember feeling so confused during communion. Thanks for sharing!
I am so grateful that my church provides childcare lol! I know what it’s like, though, to have a fussy child during Communion (our old church didn’t have childcare). So this story of providing an intimate moment of teaching during Communion is so beautiful! A great way to connect with your children and encourage a relationship with Christ!