“I don’t want to have any children,” she said.

“Why not?” I asked.

“Cause kids are annoying. My mom used to hate coming home from work because it meant she had to deal with me,” she told me.

This was a real conversation I had with a teenager on my street this month. And it made me sad. It’s not the first time I’ve heard this sentiment from children or teens.  Our idea of “what it means to have children” is first influenced by what the adults in our lives think of us, and it’s reinforced by our observations of the families around us.

For the Better

I want to change people’s perception of family. For the better.

I want you to see my life or hear about my day and think, “Hey, family can be beautiful!”

Are we perfect? No.

  Do I have it all together? No.

    Am I a flawless housekeeper? Definitely not (or, as my friend reminds me to say, “not yet.”).

      But is it worth it?  100% yes.

And there are things we can do to make it better. Our attitude. Our faith. Our actions.

The Joys Far Outweigh the Challenges

It’s not always easy, but you have to choose your hard. I heard this from a friend recently – everything is hard. So choose which “hard” you want.

It’s hard to be consistent when training your toddlers. But it’s also hard to have toddlers who are constantly pushing at every boundary because they don’t know which ones really matter. Choose which hard you want to face.

It’s hard to pause your own “rhythm” of your day and take time to match your spouse’s rhythm. But it’s also hard when you are never in rhythm with your spouse. Choose your hard.

It’s hard to set aside time to build your relationship with the LORD. But it’s also hard to try to live life in your own strength without Him. Choose your hard.

The Bible says that children are a blessing and a reward.

“Children too are a gift from Adonai; the fruit of the womb is a reward.” Psalm 127:3 (CJB)

It also talks about how miraculous we are. Every baby is more marvelous than we can even fathom. Just look at that tiny life! How did God do that?

For you fashioned my inmost being, you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I thank you because I am awesomely made, wonderfully; your works are wonders — I know this very well. Psalm 139:13-14 (CJB)

I take this as a reminder that, even when these days of motherhood are hard, the joys far outweigh the challenges.  Children really are gifts, rewards, and wonders.

So, today, take a moment to remember just how amazing it is that God gave you life. You can speak, feel, think, move, breathe, love, create, and so much more. There is nothing that can quite compare to life itself.

And then, take a moment to pass that joy of life down to a younger person in your life. Let them know that you are glad they exist. Let them know that they are a blessing and a reward. Let them know that they are miracles.

Because life is precious.