I've been thinking a lot about children lately. Probably because I have one that keeps me busy and stirs my compulsive snuggling reflex, and one that I feel like I am already not giving enough attention to in my womb... at least that's what I'll blame it on if he/she rebels later in life.
We also had a sermon on children and infertility and family planning. Sounds odd and agenda-ish, but it was actually good and Biblical. Everything in the Bible discusses children as being a blessing from the Lord, a reward, etc. Be fruitful and multiply. And I don't know when we, even as Christians, somehow took the view that children are burden rather than blessing. Is this our secular culture creeping into our churches? It's another example of buying a comfortable lie rather than being blessed by the truth.
I have actually fretted over having more than two kids because we like to travel and hotel rooms are much easier with four rather than five. Though, I grew up in a family of five who traveled often and I was the one on the rollaway... and I have no ill memories of cramped hotel rooms. And I was the person who wanted the house before I brought a baby home. And I think, generally, everyone is so concerned with the ability to afford a child that we forget who truly provides and that children are a blessing rather than burden! Our needs are out of whack. So concerned with paying full tuition for an ivy league school before your child is born. Needing a bedroom for every child that you might want to have plus a playroom, guest room, and office, because no one can share a room and you can't give up the office for that book you intend to write one day.
This furthers my thoughts, not unspoken entirely but unspoken on this blog, that we, Christ's church in America, have been so consumed with furthering our own kingdoms rather than the kingdom of Christ. We have sold out to what is temporary rather than what is eternal. That is so foolish. Children are not temporary. God says children are good. A blessing. A reward. They grow up to do (prayerfully) good works. He never says the same about a comfortable hotel room. I'm not advocating irresponsibility - don't have unlimited children if you can't care for them. But if you can, go for it. And care doesn't require designer jeans.
I am very happy to be pregnant with number two but was planning to stop there. Now I'm not so sure. I might go for one more, unless we agree that we're too old to start anew. Which is an unselfish reason, I believe, to put on the breaks. Which has now given me a new appreciation for younger marriage. Either way, my tubes will remain unfettered! (TMI?) Do you see who I'm turning into? Soon I'll be wearing long skirts and churning butter. If my hair starts looking like Michelle Duggar's, please stage an intervention!
