Yep, we are having another baby! I will be delivering our 5th child sometime in mid-May. I know many of you will post comments of congratulations and prayers of good health and a safe delivery, and for that I thank you. It means more than I can say. There will, however, be a fair number of people who think that we have fallen off of our rockers to even consider trying to raise 5 kids. To that end, I have decided to be proactive and post answers to a list of frequently asked questions to expectant parents of more than three kids:
Q: You guys do know what causes that don’t you?
A: Yes, we are well aware of where babies come from. Even if you don’t understand why on earth we’d do this, at least be happy for us that after 4 kids and 13 years of marriage we still ‘get along’ well enough to be making babies.
Q: Did you win the lottery or something? How can you afford that many kids?
A: We don’t view our kids as expensive and burdensome, but rather as gifts from God (Psalm 127). Yes, having a large family requires some sacrifices, but unless we show up at your door, hat in hand, begging for money for diapers, you can safely assume that we are doing just fine.
Q: How do you do it? We can barely handle the two we have!
A: Prayer, faith, and more prayer. That’s the best answer I have for you. We simply do not trust in our own wisdom (Proverbs 3:5-6). We know we’re not smart enough to do this without the Lord. And that’s a great stress reliever.
Q: How can each of them get the attention they need?
A: The best answer I’ve read to answer that question can be found here.
Q: How are you going to find time for your self?
A: Truthfully, that’s not nearly the priority for me that it used to be. A life of blessing is one lived in service to others, and that includes my family, first and foremost. When I need a break, I believe the time will be there. Prayer and faith, remember?
And one of my personal favorites:
Q: How are you going to pay for college for 5 kids?
A: Let me start this rather involved answer that I am all for education and have nothing against getting a college degree. I expect that my kids will all have one. I have one myself. That said, I think we all know our fair share of educated failures and fools. That tells me that success or lack thereof is much more determined by one’s work ethic and strength of character than a degree or lack thereof. Additionally, because we don’t buy into the typical American idea of the “perpetual adolescent”, we have no intention of mortgaging our futures to get our kids a degree with no effort on their parts. If adulthood indeed begins at 18, they’ll get their chance to express their maturity by participating in the financing of their own dreams. We did, and turned out great as well as responsible at a younger age because of it. For more of our thoughts on our kids’ “higher education”, read this post.
It has taken me a while renew my mind from the world’s view of family and raising children. I really do believe that children are a heritage of the Lord. The fruit of the womb is a reward. I believe that God has called me to be a fruitful vine in our home (Psalm 128). My family is a great source of joy and comfort to me and we rejoice that God is blessing us with another wonderful new addition.
