Wait a second – What are they thinking??

The other day, I was pulled aside by an acquaintance who happened to be very pregnant (due in just a few days). She had just recently found out that our family was also expecting to have a baby in a few months, and the first thing she said to me was, “I heard you were pregnant! I just thought – what are they thinking? What number is this for you? Are you OK about this?”

Seriously?

At first, I was shocked she would actually be saying this to me. Wasn’t she also expecting a baby, too? Why would her baby be any more anticipated than mine? Should we celebrate her pregnancy more than mine? Why would it matter? A life is a life, right?

Well, clearly not in everyone’s book. To be fair, this mother-to-be was anxious about having her third child since she could barely keep her head above water with the two she already had. She wasn’t sure how she could do it. But you know what? I felt EXACTLY the same way when I was pregnant with my 3rd. And my 4th. And my 5th. Now that this is our 10th, the LORD has already taught me (obviously I’m a touch slow – took a few kids) that it’s all going to be fine at the end of the day. Yes, it will be a hard adjustment. No, I won’t be sleeping a lot. But when God calls, He also enables. This woman will get through it and be so thankful she has this baby. I also will get through the tough times ahead. But most importantly, I already know that I am blessed way beyond what I deserve.

Offended?

It’s hard not to get offended when someone approaches you with such frank and careless words. I’m certain it came from a place of fear and unbelief since she herself was struggling so much. And something I shared with my husband, was that at her age and child number, I know I would have felt the same way towards any crazy lady daring to have 10 children. That’s for looneys. Not me.

Funny thing is, God just chuckled at me back then. I’m so thankful He changed my heart on children.

It’s just too hard

In our flesh, we only see the difficulties of what lay ahead. We value ease and comfort. But when we crack open God’s Word, His priorities are so different. The LORD values holiness, faithfulness, and obedience. And He also calls us to be strong and courageous, repeatedly (Joshua 1:9, Deuteronomy 31:6, Ephesians 6:10 – 18), no matter the circumstances.

What’s so beautiful is that when we allow Him, He uses everything in our lives (including the good, the bad, and the ugly) to sanctify us for our good and His glory.

Clearly, His priorities are far and above better than ours.

Sanctification

It’s taken a while, and obviously, I’ve needed (and still need) lots and lots of sanctifying. My kids are experts on pulling out the nasty things in my life that need to be given over to the LORD. I certainly haven’t arrived yet or anything, however I’m not where I once was either.

Although we’ve had to give up quite a bit to raise a large family, by the grace of God, we have been given so much more in return for our obedience to what the LORD has called us to do. I wouldn’t change our lives for anything.

Reality check – life isn’t fair

NOT that it’s always going to look perfect and all buttoned-up. One of the many things I’ve learned in this life is that it just isn’t always fair. I don’t always understand why that person has that or why that other person doesn’t. I won’t always understand. But I know a few things – God is faithful, He is good, and I can trust Him. Even when I don’t understand and even when I don’t want to obey.

They just don’t get it

Additionally, when we walk in obedience, another thing I’ve noticed is that many people around us don’t always get it. And sometimes they even let you know (like the woman above). But ironically the other day, I was walking down a street and was looking at all of the various Christmas decorations.

I saw several depictions of the three kings, although there is nothing in the bible indicating there were three. I also saw depicted the magi worshiping at the manger – also fabricated. Jesus would have been a toddler by the time the Magi reached Bethlehem. Isn’t it interesting how we can just accept things as true, regardless of the validity of the statements since it’s part of our tradition?

My point is that many people are going to misunderstand you or what you know God is telling you to do, just as many have misunderstood the clear Word of God. You can tell others the reality of the situation, but there will ALWAYS be someone out there who misunderstands or misconstrues your words or motivations. But our job isn’t to correct every misinterpretation – that’s an impossible task. Our job is to act in obedience to God’s will in our lives and do our best to glorify Him. Regardless of the reactions or opinions of others.

So, what exactly ARE we thinking?

So to circle back and answer the question,”What are we thinking?” – I’m thinking I may be tired, but I am one blessed mama and our family is richly blessed! Children are an incredible blessing from the LORD (Psalm 127). God is faithful and I’m so, so glad that the LORD allowed our family to have yet another little blessing. God is good!

Check out this great book about how babies are “Wonderfully Made,” by Danika Cooley!