Here I sit at 2 a.m. I can’t sleep.

My mind is restless, thinking about all of the things.

I have an upcoming blog deadline, and I’m still debating what to write about. Should I write about creating cost-effective curriculum? How less is more? How to find patterns in children’s play and use those to create lessons?

Then my mind jumps to what fall activities I should start planning.

Am I doing enough?

All the things.

So, I got up, grabbed my computer, and started typing what was on my heart.

Children’s ministry is not easy.

It is amazing. It is fun. It is rewarding. It is full of moments that make you stop and think, This is exactly where I am supposed to be.

But it isn't easy.

We have a big responsibility to guide children and families on their journey with Jesus. And sometimes I think about all the ways I could be doing more.

Am I giving them enough resources?

Are the lessons effective?

Are they developmentally appropriate?

Are the children learning?

Are we creating an environment where they feel safe and loved?

And then there are the volunteers.

Am I showing them enough how much they are appreciated? Am I supporting them?

I know for my church, the children run into our building and often don’t want to leave. I tell our volunteers all the time that I believe it is because of their love for Jesus that radiates onto the children. They make them feel loved, safe, and connected.

And isn't that what we want?

Sometimes I think we get so caught up in what we are teaching that we forget what the children are experiencing.

They are experiencing a place where people know their names, listen to them, play with them, pray for them, and love Jesus.

Maybe that is part of the “enough” we are always wondering about.

Because there is also so much of children’s ministry that happens behind the scenes. The things nobody sees.

Praying over the children, families, volunteers, and the space.

Working with families through difficult situations.

Crying over difficult situations.

The emails.

The texts.

The planning.

The creating.

The constant thinking about what could make this ministry better.

Sometimes it can feel overwhelming.

And when I start feeling overwhelmed, that’s when I sit, pray, and listen.

I pray over all of these feelings and situations. And somehow, God always brings me back to my why.

I remember my very first job interview for a home visitor position working with families. One of the questions they asked me was, “What would your dream job be?”

I said, “I don’t know, but it will be working with children.”

Here I am.

Looking back, I can see how God used different places and experiences to lead me here. Dream job.

Working with children.

What a gift we have been given.

We get to be a part of these children’s childhoods, but even more than that, we get to be a part of their journey to Christ.

That is something I do not take lightly.

As children’s ministry leaders, we take on a lot. Some of it people see, and so much of it they don’t.

But maybe we don't always have to carry the pressure of doing more.

Maybe we need to remember that ministry isn't measured by how many activities we planned, how perfect our lesson was, or how many resources we created.

Maybe sometimes “enough” looks like showing up.

Loving a child.

Listening to a parent.

Encouraging a volunteer.

Praying over a classroom.

Sitting on the floor and playing.

Giving a child a safe place to belong.

Pointing children toward Jesus.

We may not always see the impact of what we are doing.

But sometimes the evidence is right in front of us.

It looks like a child running through the doors on Sunday morning.

It looks like a child not wanting to leave.

It looks like a volunteer who keeps showing up because they know these children matter. It looks like a family who trusts you enough to walk through a difficult season with them.

And maybe, sometimes, it looks like a tired children’s ministry leader sitting at 2 a.m. wondering if they are doing enough.

If that's you, I want you to know you aren't alone.

I have no idea if this is the blog I was supposed to write. I had plenty of other ideas. But I felt like I needed to write this.

Maybe because I needed the reminder myself.

We have been given an incredible responsibility and an incredible gift.

So if you are lying awake at 2 a.m., thinking about all the things and wondering if you're doing enough, I’m praying for you.

And I hope you remember your why, too.

Andrea McCormick Miller is a children’s ministry director and early childhood educator with over 14 years of experience advocating for play-based, child-led learning. She is passionate about creating environments where children can explore, wonder, and grow through play, and she views play as her ministry. Andrea enjoys developing curriculum and resources for children and families in her ministry. She is a wife and mother of three who loves spending time with her family. Andrea also loves spending time outdoors and finding joy in the little things.