Loving My Large Family

Children are an heritage of the Lord!

I don't think of my children as one group, or even as any certain number. Just the other day I even forgot for a moment how many children I actually have (I have 15 wonderful children).

You see, I am in awe of everyone of them! I carried each one under my heart, rejoiced at the first fluttering I felt, prayed for them, talked with each one before they were ever even born, massaged all those tiny feet as they poked out from my enormous tummy.

It is assumed that, after giving birth so many times, it all somehow becomes old-hat. I suppose there are things that one can take for granted, but there is just no way to get "used" to carrying and giving birth to another precious life! In actual fact, the whole process has become more sacred to me with each new pregnancy. I find myself keeping the whole thing more intimate, since the often unintentional callousness of others can still break my heart--"Are you done yet?" is one that I have a lot of trouble with--as if having a darling little baby is just about the dumbest thing a person could ever do, so why don't I quit already?

Tiny-winnie baby Patience

There is just no other treasure comparable to my sweet babies. Even as they get older, weather they are 18 or 28, I simply can't believe I was ever privileged to be their mother. They are so very wonderful to me. I watch them as they have grown and there is an ache there, but I am so blessed by their lives, just knowing they are out there making a positive difference in the world.

And my little ones at home are so dear to me. Every day I get to spend with them is important. I know they need me, and it is such a joy to give of myself to them. I love to cuddle them and enjoy their silly-hearted antics, take pleasure in talking and joking around with all of them, discovering things together, planning, reading good books, sharing the Lord Jesus and especially praying together.

A time to play...

I love stopping whatever I am doing (even writing a post) to press my face close to one of their charming little faces when they talk to me--in this way, I communicate just how wonderful they are.

I don't ever complain when they cause a bit of work, worry, or even interrupt me while I am busy. My husband and I never sit together wishing that they were already grown and gone. Instead, we feel great sorrow for couples who are our age and have no children at home.

It is just so marvelous to have them all here with us. There is always something to do, always someone to care for, always genuine "meaning" to the mundane things of life.

We love the noise, the commotion, and the instant "party" whenever there is something to celebrate--even a toddler who uses the potty for the first time is hailed and lauded!

Ryan's rendition of a happy mother and babe

No, they aren't perfect little angels, and they can cause us some sleepless nights and passionate emotions, but they are worth it. They are worth making the effort to work things out, even with some difficult soul-searching questions, when they don't feel happy, comfortable or even receptive to us.

In reality, we have needed each one--even though they may be angry with us, or simply misunderstand, or just want to try things their own way. We need them because we are not perfect people either; we need them because they are assisting God in our transformation.

Folks tend to wonder where their kids would be without them; we tend to wonder where we would be without our kids!