Bundles of Joy

A reoccurring question keeps popping up from people whenever they find out we are expecting another child. I can tell by the way they ask the question, "So how many kids do you plan on having?" that what they really want to ask is why in the world we are having them in the first place. To the eyes of our society One is fine. Two is ok. Three???? Four?! So when will you stop having kids?!

A good and very wise friend of mine once said, in regards to having babies... "Good! More light! More LIFE!"
I chuckled at it at first but it has stuck with me... it has become my own little inner response which, when I'm asked the question "So how many kids are you having?", I tell myself this to keep from smacking them upside the head.

I've become increasingly aware of how backwards our society is. It is sick. We focus on work, buying stuff, getting a house, entertaining ourselves, showcasing, "peacocking" the latest trends, yadda yadda yadda! UGH! Its sick, and I'm guilty of it too.

We live in a society where children are looked upon as a burden to our pocketbooks and a responsibility that is increasingly becoming the butt of jokes.

I heard one today... not a funny one, but to share it anyway this guy I was working with called his cousin's family the Brady Bunch to describe them in a snarky manner. Why? Because he couldn't fathom why some people would want to have six children. How can you have your own jet ski or border horse when you have to feed all those mouths?
Really!

I may not enjoy every single moment with my children, and sometimes I need alone time, but I am grateful for my experience in having children and have become more of a man because of them.
Having someone who needs you to set aside your own desires, your own wants, sometimes even your own needs (remembering the many skipped meals, potty breaks and sleepless nights*) is good and even healthy. We are selfish humans who need others to force us out of our comfort zones to give of ourselves beyond our normal measure. This is a step in the direction of Godliness. How do I know this? Because Jesus Christ asks us to give of ourselves beyond our measure, to love our enemies, to give the extra coat we have to someone else, to treat others as we wish to be treated and to show mercy to those who would do us harm. I trust that although I am a selfish person who only wishes to fulfill my own wishes, as I give to my children and give without caring for my own wants, they are teaching me how to give and the Lord is blessing my house and my soul.

May the mercy and peace of Christ be with you all this Theophany Feast! And may you all be blessed by those whom you love.