This Friday, January 22, marks 37 years of legalized abortion in America. In a society where children are viewed as expensive, inconvenient, and lots of work, I'd like to focus on the other side this week.
'Children are a gift of the Lord, the fruit of the womb is a reward. Like arrows in the hand of a warrior, so are the children of one's youth. How blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them!' Psalm 127:3-5
How many people today see their children as a gift, or even a reward? How many feel blessed to have them?
Now I know that when you're feeding a hungry baby at 2:00 a.m., or your toddler is whining for more candy, or your teenager would rather sleep late than do his chores, you don't necessarily feel rewarded.
But God's word says it right there: 'the fruit of the womb is a reward.' How could we turn down such a precious gift?
It's an honor and a privilege to be given a new life to love and raise. It's also a lot of work. But, as James Dobson so eloquently stated, "Raising children is the most important job in the universe." It is so true. When I am old, I will not look back and wish I'd watched more great movies, earned more money (okay, maybe), read more books, or taken more vacations. I want to look back and know that I loved my children as much as possible, and taught them what they needed to know, and sent them well-prepared into adulthood.
So when do we see the reward? I think there are many times to see it. Like when you hold that soft, seconds-old newborn baby for the first time. Like when your toddler voluntarily gives you a slobbery kiss and a hug. Like when your daughter says, "I love the way you decorate for Christmas, Mom!" Like when you catch your children praying when they thought they were alone. Like when your grown son, now taller than you, chooses his future and it's a good one. Like when you are presented with your first grandbaby.
The rewards are exponential. And they are sprinkled throughout every day of a child's upbringing.
I have noticed that when a mother is stressed by her children, it usually isn't because of what the children were doing, but rather, what the mother wished she could be doing or thought she should be doing. But when she focuses on her blessings, and gives the other things to God, she will find delight in the most important job in the universe.
Oh, and another fun part of having babies? That cute little squishy bottom they have!
If you're still not sure, I'd like to recommend a book. Be Fruitful and Multiply is a wonderful book explaining God's plan for families, children, and even the mother's womb.
Labels: Psalm 127
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