Another one... really?

Sharing the good news that God has seen fit to trust and bless us with; bringing a new life into this world is always exciting but brings along some degree of anxiety. Perhaps that is due to our secular upbringing, where 4 was a large family, 6 was crazy, and 7 was unheard of. We sadly found ourselves hesitant to share the news with our families because we knew what the reaction would be. It was only a select few of our closest friends who we knew would share our joy without judgment. It was that realization that actually made us hesitant to spread the good news – even to our parents.

Sadly, our reservations were not off base, and in many cases celebrations were overlooked with one mere question… “Are you crazy?” The frustration quickly gave way to disappointment… disappointment that all those we wanted to share this joyous moment with couldn’t recognize the beauty and blessings that God has chosen to share with our family.

For the masses, we made the announcement on Facebook… 

For our kids, we came full circle, again being consumed with fear over what their reaction may be – especially for the older ones. We came up with a creative way to share the message and it was missed completely…

After a little prodding they finally got the message… We are still not sure where KR ran off to, and I think AT set off the neighbor’s car alarm… JA just wanted to get back to her Little Mermaid. The little ones, they still think mommy ate a baby…

With all the announcements made, we were once again reflecting on the chain of events and found ourselves a little disappointed in ourselves for hesitating to share the good news. We were worried about the response, perhaps the rejection or ridicule for following God’s plan. We let that handful of people stifle the joy.

What we have come to realize that our joy is enough, and our celebration of this precious life isn’t contingent on the understanding of others. God isn’t seeking acceptance or permission for His plan – why do we seek it to follow His plan? Why do we seek it from those who perhaps have turned away from Him – from a society that has done all it can to remove God from every aspect of life? It really doesn’t make a whole lot of sense from a Christian perspective. So with that in mind, it’s time to refocus – to remember what matters most. To stress that children and all the Chaos that they bring – are a blessing. Despite the eye rolls, snide comments (we will visit that at a later time) they are a blessing.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.

~Proverbs 3:5-6