The true joy of my motherhood.....

I've been pondering and reflecting on the last 6 months..... There have been praises, blessings, major changes, disappointments, and confusion, but one thing remains so true to my heart.  I adore having my 6 children at home with me every day.  Do I encounter disappointments and confusions in my season of motherhood?  Absolutely!  But the latter side of the coin, is incredible joy!  

We live in such a fallen world today where children are view as burdens, costly, and time consuming.  I agree with the third point, yes, children are time consuming.  If you train your child in the way he shall go, most of your time will revolt around your children.  Whether it is wiping a runny nose, spanking a bottom, or simply holding a child when a family pet expires, it takes your time.  No denials there.

My dh and I have made a vow to trust the Lord with our family size.  We have been mocked and been called crazy, irresponsible, and ignorant even in our own home.  I would be denying the fact that their comments do not stir hurt or pain.  It does.  It's not so much their secular opinion of me that dives deep, but when looking at my children, my heart aches.  Each one of our blessings is unique and wonderfully made.  They were created in His image.  Don't get me wrong, my children are greatly loved outside our immediate family which is a true blessing.  But to think that we are foolish to have so many children, confuses me.  Which child was the foolish decision?

I often hear friends say they can't afford to have any more children and have voluntarily discontinued fertility at 2 children, which seems to be the popular norm in America.  I agree most families can't afford to have more children if they continue to reside in their current lifestyle.  Most choose the luxurious house with all the latest gadgets, but it seems relatively odd to me that most aren't home enough to enjoy their possessions because they are too busy running their children to soccer, ballet, play practice and whatever their neighbor kids are partaking in.  Which in deed,  cost money. None of these things are necessarily wrong, but one must know moderation which seems to be the culprit to the dysfunctional family values today.

We have elected to live a simple life by choice not by foolishness.  We have chosen to value life rather than things. We have made the decision not to own new cars, to live in a over sized home , and not hug Mickey Mouse every year, but have chosen to welcome each new blessing into our family.  Just simple living by seeking His will for our lives.  I find joy in spending time with my children in our simple home every day guided by the Spirit.  It's a choice.

This is the true joy of my motherhood. 

1John 1:15-17 has been on my heart in the last few weeks of pondering...

15 Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 16 For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride in possessions—is not from the Father but is from the world. 17 And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever.