by MW Cook

Behold, children are a heritage from the LORD,

The fruit of the womb a reward.

Like arrows in the hand of a warrior

Are the children of one’s youth.

Blessed is the man

Who fills his quiver with them!

Ps. 127

Beautiful, eh? What warrior would like to be without arrows in a battle? I get increasingly tired when I hear people criticize our plans on having children right away. I think we North American Christians sometimes look at children the wrong way. They are not a burden! They are a gift (at least, that’s what the Bible says). They are not something to be avoided as a hindrance, but received as a gift from God. The first half of this psalm that I left unquoted explains how man’s actions are totally futile unless it is the LORD who ultimately wants it done. No amount of birth control or fertility drugs can change God’s plan, can it?

Don’t think that I’m a fatalist and think that you shouldn’t wear seat-belts or anything. I’m not even trying to convince you of my belief and convictions on birth control, I just wish people would stop looking at this subject with such a secular mindset. I have a very good friend who has been blessed with seven children. He and his wife wouldn’t have it any other way, yet he is criticized by many people for being ‘irresponsible’, etc. People seem to feel sorry for him because he has so many children. That seems really silly to me. If children are really a blessing from God, then this man is blessed a whole lot more than most!

So, if a day comes when Ruth and I make it to seven or eight kids, please don’t criticize us or feel sorry for us. Consider us blessed! They’re a blessing and a reward, yes? I realize that I’ve never had kids before and I don’t really know what it’s like, but that doesn’t matter! What God says is what matters. So wear whatever seat-belts and other things that you wear, but don’t think us stupid for not doing the same.

In other news, my cat is dumb. Yes my dear little Caedmon has been getting progressively dumber as the days go by. We are seriously thinking about getting rid of the animal. So, if anyone out there in bloggerdom wants a semi-crazy cat, gimmie a call! He’s yours!

And no, if my kids are crazy I will not get rid of them too.

Mashallah!