Answered prayer

Gavin hasn't gone to nursery class at church since the last Sunday in March. Little did we know on that fateful Sunday that a ward boundary change would turn his world upside down. He went from being a beloved member of the class to the kid who overwhelmed the teachers with his screaming. Our transition to Cordera Ward involved tears for many of us. Things were really rough at church for a couple of months.


Then our summer siesta in Arizona compounded the problem. Gavin had a new bed, no Daddy, and a new routine. Everywhere we went, people were different and scary. Church with Gavin was a disaster. Eventually I gave up and attended an early sacrament meeting alone each week and stayed home with Gavin and Lexi so they could nap. The big boys attended church with my parents.


When we returned to Colorado, we recommitted to nursery. We talked to Gavin's teacher, who eased Gavin's transition back to class. First, she played with him in the back of the chapel, bringing him toys and fruit snacks and a nursery pal or two. Next, when Gavin was willing to step into the nursery classroom with Dad, she engaged him with books and puzzles and cars. Last week Gavin fully participated with Garry in the background. This was a significant victory! We were thrilled with his progress.

That's when our family started praying for Gavin. Every night after scripture study, each family member takes a turn saying a prayer before bed. Every night this week, each of us prayed that Gavin would attend nursery alone on Sunday. We were all very sincere, but Tyler's prayers were especially fervent and faithful.


All week we have been talking excitedly about nursery. Gavin proclaimed on more than one occasion that he would not go. But this morning was different. He said he would go. I wasn't sure if I believed him. Later he reconsidered and wanted me to go with him.

Gavin walked into nursery holding my hand. He worked some puzzles, making sure I wasn't going to leave. He asked me to sit right by him at snack time. But after about half an hour, I decided to duck out. And when I did....he was just fine! Not a single tear. He left the class beaming, excited about all he had done in class.

We will keep praying for Gavin and his nursery class, but it sure feels good to have our initial prayers answered. God is mindful of Gavin. (And his parents.)