To Love Their Children

Do we really love children? Oh, sure, we think they're cute...most of the time. We take care of them, clothe them, feed them, give them shelter. But do we really love children? Do we look at them and see them the way God sees us? Helpless, learning, growing, wonderfully made. Sinful, prideful, selfish people in need of the saving grace of Jesus.

Do we really think children are a blessing from the Lord? I challenge you to think about this for a minute. Think of all the blessings the Lord could bestow on you right now. Money, friendship, stuff, etc. Do children even come to mind? Yet the God's word in Psalm 127:3 says, "Lo, children are an heritage of the LORD: and the fruit of the womb is his reward." Children are a reward from God. Could you imagine doing something worthy of recognition and being handed a baby! I have a feeling many people would settle for a parting gift instead.

We live in a society that views children as a liability. When thinking of having more children we often consider our lifestyles and how they would change. Questions start popping into our minds...can we afford them, can we love them all, can we handle them???? The Lord promises to give us everything we NEED. Do all of our children NEED designer clothes? Do they really NEED their own rooms? Do they NEED a toy every time you go to the grocery store? NO! That is a lifestyle. God does not promise a certain lifestyle to his children, only the promise of basic needs being met. Food, clothing, shelter. Are we willing to give up a lifestyle to accept a blessing of God? More than likely, we're willing to cut off the blessings and accept the curse of becoming slaves to a lifestyle. A mom of lots once said, "Children aren't expensive, lifestyles are."

I cut off that blessing. After we found out Ty was going to be born with special needs, we panicked. We listened to all of the wrong, but well meaning, advice that told us we were being responsible. Who could blame us, right? The genetic counselors told us there was an increased risk of having more children "like Ty". Hindsight can kill you. I'd give anything to have a housefull of children just like Ty. But here lies the problem with choice, you can be sorry, but you can't go back.

Do we really love children?