Courageous Joy

“You sure have your hands full…”

When I was a young mother with lots of little ones (say under the age of 4) I would often hear the above comment. It used to cause offense in my heart. I understood the comment to mean, “your children are out of control”, “why would anyone choose to have so many little ones”, “my children are never out of control because I was sane enough to stop at 2” and more. As I began to converse with more Quiverful families I learned that I was not alone in my dislike of the phrase. I also learned that other homeschooling Christians can be every bit as critical of others as the world is of us. I’ve received numerous comments from those who use a different curriculum, have a different educational philosophy, have a different parenting philosophy, discipline differently…why we insist that God wants us all to be “cookie cutter Christians”. Hmm….thoughts for a different post. :::snort:::

BUT OVER TIME – I realized that most who make the above comment are NOT trying to communicate disdain or judgment. They may be hoping to begin a conversation and lead into asking for some tips on parenting…they may want to encourage…they may want to applaud for attempting to “handle” so many children…they may just be trying to be friendly…..Over the years I’ve learned that if I’m quick to be offended I need to examine MY heart. The Word says “the steadfast of mind You will keep in perfect peace, Because he trust in You. Trust in the Lord Forever, For in God the Lord, we have an everlasting Rock.” Isaiah 26:3-4. It’s when my mind is not stayed on God that I begin to be intimidated by well meaning comments and begin to become easily offended.

Seriously, my hands WERE full then and they are full now. If someone observes that, they aren’t necessarily criticizing me. Of course, the phrase is most appreciated followed by a concrete offer of help, or a paid meal, or an offer of childcare…all of which I’ve experienced.{G}

What brought all this to mind? This morning, while out biking, I came upon a woman and her three dogs. She was “walking the dogs”, though truthfully it looked like they were walking her. It was quite funny and I couldn’t help a big smile. They were all pulling at different angles…but they were generally going in the same westward direction. As I passed her I smiled and said, “It looks like you have your hands full”.

Then it all came rushing back. I’m suspecting that many days my crew looks a lot like those frisky dogs.