Be That Pig

Something weighs on my mind, and I feel the need to share it. Please do not take offense if you happen to be the kind of person I speak of. My intent is not to offend, but to enlighten.
During our family outings, we meet a lot of people who strike up a conversation about our big family. Some of them cringe when we tell them that they are all ours, inwardly thankful that they made the choice to have a small family. Most however, express their unfulfilled desire to have a large family, like ours. It is sad to hear the reasons these people create to justify their decision to stop. Most site financial or work related reasons. Some say that they do not have enough patience to have more kids. Here are my answers to these:
Unless you are a physically disabled parent, single parent, or living in a third world country, lack of money should not be a reason to keep yourself from achieving the dream of a big family. We are a one income family, and not the income of a doctor or lawyer either. Yes, things are tight sometimes...but God always makes a way to provide for our needs. Did you catch that word, "needs". People have a hard time distinguishing needs from wants, including myself. Secondly, some say that they need to work, and could not stand staying home with their kids. Why, because it is hard work that requires patience? Patience is a learned attribute. We are not born patient. As infants we are self centered, immediate gratification seekers. Yeah, it is hard to learn to have patience with our kids. But, (I can attest to this,) what doesn't kill us, makes us stronger. What would the world be like if people didn't do things because they are difficult to do, or require qualities not innate? We are not born knowing how to be doctors or lawyers. We have to go to school to learn how to do these things. It is the same with parenting. Only, the school of parenting is often full of hard knock courses that include endless pop quizzes and are absent of a physical teacher. That is why we pray so much! Yeah, it is a difficult school to attend, but the rewards are much greater than those of other jobs. People choose not to step out of their comfort zone in the parenting world because it means an extreme amount of commitment.
Ravens' coach, Brian Billick, stated in a graduation speech: "In a bacon-and-egg breakfast the chicken is involved, but the pig is committed. Be that pig."
Silly, yet profound words that I find relate perfectly to this matter. You can be involved in parenthood, or be committed. Many people cannot commit themselves, and so keep their dream of a big family on the back burner. My good friend, Bridget, has often called me, plagued with this very decision. Another child means less comfort, more negative comments, and yes, less expendable money. But, it also means so much more of the great stuff that really matters in life. Bridget has come to realize this, and just gave birth to her fourth baby. She's a great mom and takes such joy in her role, that I'm sure she would back me up on this theory. I often struggle with the fact that we are done having kids. My body would probably not be able to handle one more pregnancy. Evethough it would not be in my body's best interest to carry another baby, I often rethink our decision. What I'm saying is this, do not keep yourselves from achieving the dream of a big family because of the fear of commitment. Push through the fear of being uncomfortable financially, or inadequately equipped with patience. You will acquire all that you need during your journey, through faith and perseverance. The joys of numerous children, far outweigh the difficulties (even if some of the contents of this blog communicate otherwise). I have never heard a parent regretting the choice to have another child, only the the choice not to. Refuse to be a chicken and be that pig!