I can't do this. Can you hold him

Oh, I can’t do this! Can you hold him? 

Her beautifully curled hair, well done makeup, and neatly dressed children demonstrated her time that morning with a husband and 3 littles.  She had it together as she walked the hall of the church - her newborn under her arm in the car seat, her middle son, a toddler, holding the hand on her other arm and her oldest walking sweetly ahead of them. The music of the worship team could be heard, laughter and warmth were in the air as some came and some went from the church between services.  

“Todd, come back here! Where are you going?”

Without notice, her middle son darted into the men’s washroom. Her peace disappeared. 

She lingered outside the blue door with the eye level plate, “men” for a minute, not sure what to do next.  

The oldest wasn’t old enough to wipe the toddler or old enough to watch the baby. There was a man in the washroom so she couldn’t go in and she didn’t know who it was to feel comfortable asking for his help. 

“Mom, come and wipe!” 

“Todd, I can’t come in. You have to come out.” She did her best to speak calmly and sweetly.

“My pants are off!”

“Pull them up, sweetheart, and come into the lady’s washroom where I can help you.”  

Her words were just a little more impatient. 

So were his. 

“Mooom, no, just come in!”

I saw it. I heard it. I smiled. I walked toward her and gave her a hug. What appeared to be such a sweet morning for the family had suddenly turned into chaos in her mind. 

“Ugh! Oh, I can’t do this! Can you hold him?” She handed me her baby as the oldest met my eyes and began telling me all about his trip to Florida a couple years ago. He was oblivious to his brother’s situation and his mother’s stress and enjoyed my company as an audience for his story.  

In no time the middle one was cleaned up and the family carried on to the worship service.

All was well and a couple of sisters had the opportunity to share a moment of love. 

Why do we get so frazzled on Sunday mornings?

Do you feel like your children are sometimes out just to tease you?

Would you have asked someone for help?

Do you think it brought me joy to support the mom?