Today I'd like to talk a little about reason #1: We already have 4 children ages 5 and under.
Frankly, I wonder a little about our sanity. Maybe the kids are taking a greater tole on our mental health than we'd care to admit...
The other day I was listening to the radio (how's that for a transition!). Two young men were being interviewed for writing a book called "Do Hard Things." The authors of this book (Alex and Brett Harris) were 18 when they wrote it. They wrote it to challenge their generation to "do hard things" for the glory of God.
They were asked the question "What did your parents do to raise boys (their older brother has written books as well) who are doing these big, hard things at young ages?
They said their Dad gets this question a lot and gives this piece of advice to parents:
- Live your life
- Invite your children to live it with you
- If you need more steps, repeat 1 and 2
This hit home with me.
We have been feeling called to pursue adoption, but I kept thinking how restricting a large family can be. For example, the larger our family is
- the less vacations we will be able to take
- the more expensive babysitting will be
- the more chaotic our family will be now and then (imagine what family gatherings will be like once they are all married and have families of their own).
- Not to mention the kind of vehicle we would have to drive. I'm still not ready to go there!
The advice, "live your life" kept resonating with me. If God calls us to adopt and enlarge our family, we need to act. Yes, our children might not be able to take as many vacations, but if they see us living out God's call on our lives, isn't that better?
I hope my children will "do hard things" for the glory of God some day. But, if I am unwilling to do "live my life" and follow His lead, how can I expect them to?
It is encouraging to watch friends and family doing the "hard things" God has called them to. I have family who have left the states to follow God's call in other countries. I have a friend who gave up her growing business to "be there" as her children grow up. I have friends who are pursuing publication which inevitably means rejection because God is calling them to write.
Doing hard things come in many shapes and sizes. For us, at this time in our life, it means adoption.
What hard thing is God calling you to today? Remember, whenever God calls you out of your comfort zone He has a plan. And it will be worth it. It may not be easy, but it will be worth it.
I can't wait to see Him work!
5 comments:
You have no idea how much I needed to hear this, Meg. Thanks for sharing.
Will be praying for your adoption & your family.
Remember that the children will also get the fun of another sibling - I think what they will gain will be more important than what they will miss out on.
Neat, very neat!
Thanks for sharing!
Wow. This was a great GREAT post. I love that advice about living your life and letting your kids live it with you. Congratulations on this pursuit. How exciting!
Such a good post, Megan. Thanks for the reminders and encouragement. Doing the hard things is not always fun, but it provides for rich and rewarding experiences with God.
I so needed ti hear this, Megan! I'm struggling with several decisions we have to make regaurding adoption, and it does seem like "the hard thing", but has called us to do it, and HE accomplishes what he's called us to do :) Can't wait to follow your journey!
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