8 pregnancies and 6 deliveries. I never thought I would have this many babies…or be blessed this radically. The only reason I’ve survived any of it, is bc of my rock(aka Tom). The big bellies, the horrible pain, and the joy at the end…all priceless. The journey that we are on, is not for the faint of heart. The ages of our miracles? 18, 13, 11, 7, 4, and almost 2!
The journey takes us all the way from talking through theology(with our 18 year old)to telling our youngest not to lick the table….yes, it is crazy at times…honestly it is crazy MOST of the time! Would I change it? Would I want anything…ANYTHING different? No. This challenging life, brings with it joys and pleasures, that FAR outweigh my greatest imaginations of parenthood.
It also breaks us.
And that is a GOOD thing. I have become less, so that God can become MORE in me. It doesn’t mean that I neglect who I am, it means that I am learning…learning to EMBRACE this season. It is hard. There are moments when I feel less than able to handle all that one 24 hour day will bring…but I have The ROCK that is greater than I. In my weakness He becomes strong. Every heated moment of trials draws more of my stubbornness out and allows Him to pour more of His grace into my heart.
It helps me to understand, maybe a snapshot of how He feels about me. And all I can do is walk this out one day at a time. It all brings to mind the quote “there are two gifts we should give our children, one is roots, and the other is wings” I pray God helps us give both.