The following came to me while I was thinking today:
The Stork called today…he has a beautiful baby for you that looks just like you and your handsome husband. When shall I have him delivered? What's that? You're too busy doing your Master's program? Uh-huh...No time for a baby…Well, let me see, there's the Perez family down the street. They're begging for a baby, but their faith is being tested with a fertility trial. They don't know it now, but they'll have a baby of their own in three years. But this baby can't wait that long... It's his turn now.Let me see what else I can do….You know, I've always liked those Johnson's around the corner, but they have their hearts set on buying that new house. It's sad to see them stop at only two. They make such cute children. But, it is their choice. I'm having trouble thinking of anyone who could take this baby right now and time is running out.Well, I don't like it, but there's that other family across the street. They have drug and alcohol addictions and will abuse this baby until he's taken away by the State, but they are the closest option I have. I guess I will call the Stork back and tell him I have found a family. I am so sorry Baby, but this is the best I can do.
There are
multitudes of pure and holy
spirits waiting to
take tabernacles, now what is our
duty?--To prepare
tabernacles for them; to take a course
that will not tend
to drive those spirits into the families of
the wicked, where
they will be trained in wickedness
debauchery, and
every species of crime. It is the duty of
every righteous man
and woman to prepare tabernacles
for all the spirits
they can (Discourses of Brigham
Young, p. 197).
It is our duty to prepare bodies "...for all the spirits [we] can…" That is one huge responsibility. And one that is not to be taken lightly. According to Brigham Young (as well as President Spencer W. Kimball who was quoting him), the number of children we have should be based on our ability, not our convenience or desires, plans or dreams. "But I've always wanted four children" doesn't cut it. What if we could have just one more? Where does that last child go? If not into our home, does that innocent baby really go to a wicked home? God's prophets don't blow smoke. Neither do they say things just because. I really believe that President Brigham Young knew how this whole family thing worked when he said this. And you better believe I will have all the children I can because I want to have my "quiver full of them" (Psalms 127:5)
What does that
scripture really mean? If a quiver holds arrows, what are children to weapons?
Is having a family some sort of protection against spiritual harm and danger? I
believe it is. Protection against selfishness, pride and sin because having a
family forces us to SACRIFICE every day of our
lives. And to learn how to LOVE more than just ourselves. Yes, I believe
that children are like arrows and I want my quiver packed full of 'em. To
protect me from complacency and idleness. To keep me alive and childlike. To
teach me the wonder of everyday things. And to remind me every day about my
Maker. Because He makes children and all things good. But mostly because the
more children I can have, the more I can save from a miserable life where they
are taught so much about life that is false. Because I WANT TO MAKE A
DIFFERENCE in this world, and more than degrees or careers or Academy Awards,
this is how I can make the most difference for humanity. By opening my heart and
my home to the innocent sweet little children who need it. Because I am here
for them.
I know that I would never feel comfortable "stopping" my family
before God decides I'm done because I could never live with myself that way. My
precious jewels are my family members and who wants to limit the number of
"jewels" they own in their collection? I want all I can have because
to me, this is living life with "no
regrets."
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