Yesterday, I walked out of Target with a cart full of kids-ages 3, 2, 1 and 11 months. (They weren't all mine!) A little boy, maybe four, was walking into the store with his mom and asked her, "Mom, why does that lady have 4 kids?!" His mom was embarrassed, but I tried to help by saying, "It's pretty crazy, isn't it!? And guess what? There's going to be ANOTHER one pretty soon!" He stood there, trying to wrap his little head around that, a grin slowly growing on his face. As I pushed on to the van, I heard him say, "Mom, can I have a brother?" My heart smiled.
It might be hard to believe, but some people already think I'm crazy with just four kids. Where I live, it's just not that common to see more than two. I've assured people many times that, yes, I do understand how babies are made; that no, I am not trying to keep up with any other well known family; and that, yes, they do get along very well. It is rare to hear the person (although it does happen from time to time) comment on all the blessings in my life.
And they sure are! I am blessed to watch them grow, learn, play and explore together. And I am blessed that my friend lets me include her two little blessings with mine almost everyday during the school year.
Yesterday afternoon, I had another experience, one that took me by surprise, even after all the strange looks and questions I normally get when I'm out with my kids. As we were leaving the doctors' office, my oldest announced to our fellow elevator passenger, "My mommy has another baby in her tummy, too!" She looked at me with sympathy, and put two fingers to her temple, trying to indicate that she understood why I should be completely crazy. I paused, not quite knowing what to say. Finally, I came up with, "They really are the best of friends. It's such a blessing." I prayed last night over this, still not sure what a better response may have been.
Really, five isn't that crazy of a number. I have plenty of friends who have more. And, more importantly, these kids aren't just a number. They're God's kids. He's blessed me to be their Mom. And, even though I struggle with fully appreciating that blessing some days, it is a joy to be a Mom.
I guess I could end by giving you words to share with your friends (or strangers, for that matter) with what may seem to be many children. But, as you have just read, I'm not the one who is the best at coming up with words. What I, and all parents, really need, are your prayers--prayers for strength to be Godly parents, prayers for patience, but most importantly, prayers of thanksgiving for blessings!
Wednesday, September 23, 2015
Thursday, March 12, 2015
Encouraging Words
Dear person who took time out of your day to encourage me,
Maybe you thought I was someone you knew as you drove past. Maybe you're just that kind of person. Whatever the reason, thank you.
Your words have stuck with me all day, even after my walk. As I've fed three kids and held the fourth. As I've pushed the vacuum while wearing a baby. As I hurried to shower after tucking them all in for a nap. And now, as I'm using my quiet time to reflect on my day.
What you probably didn't know as you sped past me, pushing a double stroller and wearing two more kids, is that I've really been struggling in my commitment to lose weight the past few weeks. I had been doing pretty well, waking up around 5:30 to exercise quickly before my kiddos were awake and needed my attention. But then, we had two weeks of sickness, and my tired body needed the extra sleep. My motivation had slipped, even after all have recovered.
And so this morning, as I heard two screaming babies and watched two toddlers overflowing with energy, I knew God was tugging me out the door. It was a glorious spring morning, perfect for a walk, a great way to slide back in to my exercise habit.
And then you drove by.
After explaining to my two-year-old that the person who just honked the car's horn and shouted was trying to say hi, I already began to think of what your words meant. My post-four-baby body is not what it once was. My eating habits have been poor examples for my children as of late. Your words will stick with me as I continue to work to glorify God with the body he has given me.
Maybe someday your wife will need the same encouragement. I pray that you will be able to help her the way you helped me. But maybe just a little more gently and sensitively.
Sincerely,
Fat Momma.
Maybe you thought I was someone you knew as you drove past. Maybe you're just that kind of person. Whatever the reason, thank you.
Your words have stuck with me all day, even after my walk. As I've fed three kids and held the fourth. As I've pushed the vacuum while wearing a baby. As I hurried to shower after tucking them all in for a nap. And now, as I'm using my quiet time to reflect on my day.
What you probably didn't know as you sped past me, pushing a double stroller and wearing two more kids, is that I've really been struggling in my commitment to lose weight the past few weeks. I had been doing pretty well, waking up around 5:30 to exercise quickly before my kiddos were awake and needed my attention. But then, we had two weeks of sickness, and my tired body needed the extra sleep. My motivation had slipped, even after all have recovered.
And so this morning, as I heard two screaming babies and watched two toddlers overflowing with energy, I knew God was tugging me out the door. It was a glorious spring morning, perfect for a walk, a great way to slide back in to my exercise habit.
And then you drove by.
After explaining to my two-year-old that the person who just honked the car's horn and shouted was trying to say hi, I already began to think of what your words meant. My post-four-baby body is not what it once was. My eating habits have been poor examples for my children as of late. Your words will stick with me as I continue to work to glorify God with the body he has given me.
Maybe someday your wife will need the same encouragement. I pray that you will be able to help her the way you helped me. But maybe just a little more gently and sensitively.
Sincerely,
Fat Momma.
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