Separating

I'll never forget the first time I dropped Stanton Dean off at the church nursery. He was seven weeks old, and Michael and I had planned to attend worship services without him. As soon as I handed Stanton over to Jen Stuart, he began to cry. I just knew I'd be brave and strong and be able to walk away knowing that Jen and her staff would take great care with our new baby, but I was wrong. I crumbled. As we walked toward the Sanctuary, Michael asked, "Where do you want to sit?" I sniffed, "In the nursery with Stanton."

As it turned out, he was just fine and so was I, but that first time was so hard for me. We parents know that when we leave our children in another's care, there is an incredible amount of trust involved. I knew Jen and most of the childcare workers were beyond capable, and I trusted them to care for my little one just as I do. Time and time again, as we dropped Stanton off, the transition grew easier for me and for him. I learned to trust others with my baby and he began to expand his circle of trust beyond just mommy and daddy.

The key to easier transitions, I soon learned, is consistency. If we missed a couple of Sundays, Stanton would cry (I would cringe) and it took us both more than just a few minutes to feel comfortable. When we attended services regularly, Stanton began to anticipate his time with his church buddies and the childcare workers he now knew by name! Just recently did I begin to understand that this little scenario also applies to the consistency I demonstrate in my worship (both formal services and time alone with God).

When I consistently put my trust in my Father through prayer or quiet moments with Him, I am immediately comfortable in our conversations, in our relationship. The longer I stay away (either literally or figuratively) from that time together, the harder it is for me to feel close, to feel connected, to my God.

Hopefully, this fall will bring a new resolve for you and your family: To be consistent in your worship, both formal services and private moments alone with our Father.

peace to you,

Dr. Paula