Have you ever found yourself surrounded by a room full of energetic toddlers, each with their unique personalities and quirks? I have, and let me tell you, it’s truly an adventure. This past weekend, I had the opportunity to jump into the “Basecamp” classroom at my church with kids ranging from 6 months through 2 years old. This age group holds a special place in my heart and I love hanging out with them. These kids are in a phase where they are learning core skills, finding their voices, and beginning to develop their personalities. Every week, some sprint into the room, thrilled to be with their little friends, while others need a bit more convincing to leave the security of mom or dad.

There is a secret to thriving in such an environment: Use every moment to foster connections and make a lasting impact. It begins as parents drop off their kids. The mission is clear: make them feel genuinely welcomed. A warm hello and a quick acknowledgment of their unique style, whether it’s their shoes, their hair, or the cool bear on their shirt, usually does the trick. It’s about creating an environment where they know they’re valued and that you are excited to see them.

Once the service is in full swing, my focus shifts; I become one of them. First, I get down on the floor, on their level, choosing to be present in their space. As we explore the scattered collection of trucks, trains, animals, and musical instruments, a chorus of giggles, wide-eyed expressions, and some of the best animal imitations I’ve ever heard surround me. Getting on the floor is what makes all of this possible; it shows them that I truly want to connect with each of them and share in this experience. For those who were nervous at the start, it’s an invitation to join in the fun!

Now on the floor, I fully engage in the fun. I don’t watch from the sidelines—I’m in the game. Animal impressions aren’t just listened to; I add my own¹. Toy cars don’t just race by; I’m the driver in lane two. Actively participating, I show each child that I am there because I want to be with them, experiencing the joy they feel. And when those small ‘ouchies’ happen, I’m there to help them get through it.

As our time comes to a close, there’s a moment of truth—getting back up. This part is no walk in the park. I’m not as young as I used to be, and a hard tile floor, even when covered by our soft panel mats, has an unforgiving nature that can bring a special kind of pain. Adding to the physical pain, there are often other surprises—like a tiny trail of snot on my shirt brought on by one of those earlier “ouchies.” Yet, in these seemingly small inconveniences, I find a significant truth: this slight discomfort is a small price to pay for the genuine connections forged on that floor.

And as parents come to pick up their little ones, I thank them for entrusting their kids to us. Before they leave, I make it a point to share something positive and fun about each child. These simple affirmations are all about building a sense of community, and showing each parent that their child is known, valued, and cared for. It’s about creating a place where every child leaves not just with memories of playtime but with a sense that their are other people in their lives that love and care for them.

This opportunity to be in Basecamp reminded me of a few things. First, I have a genuine gift when it comes to this age group. My wife often calls me the “baby whisperer.” I don’t know why, but I have this ability to connect with little ones and make them smile. Embracing the joy, laughter, and playfulness that come naturally to me is truly a gift from God—one that I need to recognize and purposefully utilize a little more often. Like any gift that God gives, this gift is not just for my enjoyment but it is a tool to be used for His greater purpose. Second, it reminded me of the privilege it is to represent Jesus in tangible ways for the world to witness. My Basecamp experience gave me an opportunity to remember and actively demonstrate three key aspects of Jesus’ love.

Getting On the Floor

Getting on the floor, coming down to their level, so that I could immerse myself in their world, playing with toys, and joyfully participating in their games communicates a sincere desire to connect and be an active part of their world on their terms. Similarly, Jesus willingly stepped down from His heavenly throne so that He could connect with humanity. In His earthly ministry, He engaged in the day-to-day life of people, reaching out to them in ways that transcended social norms. This is such a tangible way of emulating the love that Jesus has for each of them. Meeting someone where they are is a key aspect of building relationships. It shows others that you are willing to go to them instead of expecting them to show up where you are. The Bible reminds us in Philippians 2:5-8 to have the same mindset as Christ, who, though He was God, He humbled himself, took on the form of a servant, and became obedient, even to the point of death on a cross. This act of humility and selflessness reminds us that we should never see ourselves as too important to get down on the floor.

Joining the Fun

There is a powerful message that emerges from the simplicity of playing with these children—one of presence, accessibility, and a genuine willingness to meet them exactly where they are. Whether it’s adding my animal sounds to our pretend zoo or sharing laughter over a toy truck that just went on an out of control barrel roll, these moments serve as pathways through which a child can perceive a larger-than-life figure that authentically desires to be with them. This echoes the heart of Jesus, who didn’t simply visit His creation here on earth but fully embraced the human experience. He desired to understand what it was like to live in this fallen world, to partake in its joys and pains. His intention was to relate to us in a way that can only come through shared experience.

Reflect on this, the words of Hebrews 4:15 come to mind: “For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin.” Jesus, by embracing a fully human experience, became the ultimate empathizer. He didn’t shy away from the realities of life but entered into them, allowing us to find comfort and understanding in Him.

Sacrificing Time, Comfort, and Cleanliness

The concept of sacrifice takes on a tangible form in these interactions. While our sacrifices, whether in terms of time, comfort, or a clean shirt, pale in comparison to Jesus’ ultimate sacrifice, they are far from insignificant. Children are remarkably perceptive, and they notice and internalize the sacrifices made for them. In the small acts of bending down to their level, enduring the discomfort of the floor, and embracing the stains on clothing, there lies a lasting impact. How do I know? Because one of them told me. Later in the evening, I received a text message from one of the moms that included a video of her daughter saying, “Where Passa Bannon go²?” and telling me that I was her friend. If you know me, you know I teared up at that one! These small sacrifices echo the selflessness of Jesus, leaving a mark on the lives of each child we serve. As Jesus proclaimed, “Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends” (Jn. 15:13). When we sacrifice for others, it makes the sacrifices Jesus made even more tangible and fosters a greater appreciation for the selflessness He displayed.

Throughout my moments in Basecamp, I was reminded of so much more than just the joy of play; I found reminders of love, empathy, and the eternal impact we can have on others. Whether it’s recognizing the unique gifts bestowed upon us, embracing the privilege of representing Jesus tangibly, or understanding the depth of sacrifice in shared moments, the echoes of these experiences reverberate far beyond the classroom. Just as I sought to meet each child where they are, Jesus met us in our humanity, sharing in our experiences and offering profound empathy. May we, too, find inspiration in the simplicity of shared moments, striving to be people of love and selflessness in the lives of those we encounter. This journey into the world of toddlers became more than a playdate or a role to fill at church—it became a glimpse into the endless love of Jesus that connects us all, transcending ages and echoing the hope we have in Him.

How can you tangibly represent Jesus to someone who needs him today?

Notes:

^1. Usually my animal noises are intentionally wrong. I don’t know why but trying to convince a child that cows say oink leads to some of the funniest facial expressions you’ll ever see!

^2. Translation: “Where did Pastor Brandon go?”