The toes of their shoes are scuffed and their clothes are a little worn — uncharacteristic for either the 47-year-old woman or her 48-year-old husband, whose combined Church service includes ward and stake Young Women president, Relief Society president, stake missionary, elders quorum president, Young Men president, ward mission leader, high councilor, bishop and member of the stake presidency.
What's more, neither cares too much about the scuffed shoes or worn clothes, a far cry from bygone years. That their shoes and clothes are in such condition is a natural result of spending most of their Sunday Church meeting time crawling on the floor and contending with spills or runaway crayons.
What else would one expect from ward nursery leaders? Notwithstanding their less than picture-perfect attire, they love every minute of their time with the children.
But let's give credit where credit is due.
First to the bishopric, who felt to call a couple whose own children were well past Primary age. In fact, the couple's empty nest meant that neither was on the daily front lines of child rearing. That, coupled with their years of experience, left them in fine shape to lovingly meet the simple, but pressing, needs of these sweet young children.
When the second counselor issued the call, he acknowledged that the couple probably didn't fit the stereotypical profile, if there was such a thing, of a nursery leader. But, he emphasized, the call was founded on inspiration.
"The nursery," he said, "is really just a microcosm of the Church. We have lessons, we help, we play, we interact. It's a great opportunity."
And he was right.
Next, the credit goes to those who had gone (and are still going) before: other nursery leaders, the Primary presidency and the music coordinators who had already set the proper tone and established a tradition of learning and love among their youthful charges.
The newly called couple may have had a natural love for, willingness to serve, the children, but there were still some things they needed to learn.
In the nursery, the leaders taught, children can identify feelings of love for Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. And it's there that they begin to develop an understanding of gospel principles. To that end, the nursery should provide a safe and an organized learning experience for these precious little ones.
And, of course, the children's parents deserve a whole lot of credit. Wise is the parent who understands that life's real learning is anchored in home and family, and that the nursery is but helpful supplement.
But when divvying up credit, the nursery leaders will readily tell you that the lion's share goes to the children: for having tender hearts, inquisitive minds, genuine gratitude, complete honesty — and absolutely no guile.
What a joy and blessing it is to work with such souls.
But it isn't without challenge.
Prayers are often interrupted, even by the those offering them, by top-of-mind observations, perhaps about toys or classroom decor.
Shoes, for some unexplained reason, aren't always found tied or buckled, or even on the proper feet.
Toys aren't always shared. And those held by another are too often deemed better than the one in hand.
Lessons aren't in-depth. If one child seems to grasp one concept, that's considered success.
Schedules aren't rigorously followed. Flexibility — and creativity — are essentials.
And questions rarely relate to the subject at hand. But, no matter the subject, each question is very important.
Through it all, the children are priceless — leading one to easily see why the Savior Himself would say "of such is the kingdom of God." (See Luke 18:16.)