Saturday we went to a MOPS picnic to kick off the new year. That got me to thinking about my experience with the organization.
I didn't know about MOPS when I had my first child and I sure wish I had. In many ways, it was a very lonely time for me. I did join a MOPS group when my dd (age 8) was about a year old. I'm sorry to say it was not a good experience. A friend and I called and registered with a local group, and were excited to attend our first meeting. It was in January and we didn't know this particular group had been full. We just happened to call at a time when two ladies had moved on so there was room for us.
However, some of the members were resentful that we'd been able to join when they had friends who they had been wanting to bring in and they hadn't been made aware of the open 2 spots. This was told to us right away by ladies at our table. So right from the beginning, we felt very unwelcome.
The childcare area was overly full with not enough helpers. So my daughter did not do well there. After 3 tries, my friend and I decided MOPS was not for us.
Fast forward 4 years. My two closest friends at the time moved away within months of each other. I felt bereft and lonely again, and prayed for God to bring new friends into my life. Within a month, I saw a notice in the bulletin at church that a MOPS group was forming. I rushed to the sign-up table and filled out the form and checked the box that said I would be willing to help.
The coordinator -- a sweet, sweet Godly woman named Starr -- called me to see what I would feel comfortable helping with. I had no idea and she said just to show up and we'd figure it out. She came up to me at the first meeting with a huge hug. I felt welcome immediately.
I helped wherever they needed me that first year and was a hospitality leader the next 2 years. This year I'm stepping out of the steering team but will still attend regularly. I hope to help other moms feel welcome when they walk in, just like Starr did for me.
God also has much bigger plans for us than we do for ourselves, doesn't he? I asked for a friend or two and he blessed me so abundantly with many.
5 comments:
Awww, that is a really great post. I feel the same way. If our church hadn't started the MOPS...well, I don't want to think about it! :)
And I agree that Starr is one amazing woman.
What a true blessing, Robin, that God used your past experience to glorify Him and welcome the other new members this time!
One of my dear friends here is the MOPS coordinator for our church. It's a great ministry.
Oh, how I remember that not-so-wonderful experience of going to that original MOPS group with you. I sure pray that hearts have been changed there since then! I am so happy that God has been able to lead you to a group of Godly women, and has given you the ability to use that bad experience to welcome new women into the ministry.
I got sidetracked on my Project 365 viewing and I saw your MOPS posts. I am so sorry your 1st experience was so unwelcoming. I pray that all the moms in my group feel welcome and ecouraged from the moment they step foot in our meeting and from that time forward. Glad you reconnected with the MOPS ministry and blessed them with your service. Enjoy your year off steering team. My time is coming... :)
Karen (SHS loop/ Cynthia's friend)
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