From Diapers to Big Kid Underpants

I have been a mommy for seven years and counting. I always wanted to have children. In my "perfect" view of my future, I wanted three to four children evenly spaced about three to four years apart in age. In reality I have four children who range in age of seven years down to almost five months old. Am I disappointed that my plans went awry? Am I upset that I have both boys and a girl and not just one gender or the other? I can answer both questions with a resounding, "NO!". The reason is because years ago I asked God to show me His plan and purpose for my life.

 

Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV)

¹¹ For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.  

 

If I had done things my way, I would only have two children by this time in my life. I would have missed out on the joy of having my other two children. I would have missed out on part of my adventure that God has ever so loving been leading me.

 

Raising children has pushed me even more to be completely dependent of God. It has tested my faith to trust that He can meet not only all of my needs but the needs of my children as well. Our family has been drawn closer together as we pray for God's guidance, forgiveness, protection, wisdom and perseverance to keep going when the naysayers come with their negativity.

 

Proverbs 18:10 (NIV)
The name of the Lord is a fortified tower; the righteous run to it and are safe.

 

I have been changing diapers for the past seven years. Potty training less than that with two children still to train. Just like I have gone through stages spiritually myself I am still learning and growing everyday. I do not want to be the same person spiritually I was five years ago nor be the same five years into the future. I want to know and live by God's wisdom and not by my own wisdom. Only wisdom from God can help me to make the right choices. It is one  of my prayers to grow in wisdom and knowledge of the truth.

 

James 1:5 (NIV)
If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.