Celebrating Children

Something inside me shrivels up when the Christians around me start talking about big families. It’s rarely good, what they’re saying, thus the recoil spirit-wise. Shouldn’t we Christians be more Biblical in our child-bearing viewpoints?

So what if the world tells us children are burdensome, and that some people aren’t cut out to raise them. Talk about limiting God. Job 39:13-16 talks about how God had purpose in creating the ostrich, even though she leaves her eggs in the dust, forgetting that a foot could crush them or a wild beast destroy them. Obviously, not a great candidate for motherhood. Yet, God in His sovereignty, created the ostrich that way.

My husband and I only have three children. Yet, some in the extended family consider us to have tipped the scales. They would not be excited if we announced a fourth pregnancy.

Instead of getting hurt feelings over this, I rebel against it. I celebrate children. Here’s how:

• Send a card of congratulations to every couple in your family/friend circle who announces a new pregnancy.
• Take “expectant” family members out to dinner to celebrate the announcement. It’s worth celebrating!
• Every child deserves a baby shower and most churches stop throwing showers after the arrival of the firstborn. If you can’t start a new tradition, at least give a small token of happy acknowledgement (card or gift) to this family’s special new member.
• Live in such a way that people can’t help but see your heart for kids. For instance, if you’re frustrated over the baby’s interruptions during homeschool time, your older kids are watching how an adult views a precious child. Teaching the 3 R’s is all well and good, but we that homeschool want to also instill God’s values, right?

After all, Jesus said in Luke 9:48,

Whosoever shall receive this child in my name receiveth me: and whosoever shall receive me receiveth him that sent me: for he that is least among you all, the same shall be great.”

Any other ideas on how to Celebrate Children?