Have Kids and Dance with Them Like There's No Tomorrow!

Tonight, my husband came home from work and told me a story about something he saw today.  Two "twenty-somethings" (a man and woman) were comparing pictures on their cell phones of their adorable, sweet....wait for it.........dogs.   Apparently, their dogs had outfits, and cute poses, and fur "just so", and they were clearly VERY loved - or spoiled - however you want to look at it.  Anyway, my husband said to them, "Man, you guys have got to have some kids."  He said the look of disgust that came over their faces was quite a sight.  They looked like he had just poured a drink in their lap, when all he did was mention the idea of having a child. The woman even said, "Kids?  No way.  I am NOT having kids.  You can't put kids in kennels."

And there you have it, folks.  This is how many of our twenty-somethings feel about God's greatest gift to them.  So much of the time, we think we can do things our way and on our terms and on our timetables, only to be "schooled" by God.  We think we can even tell God a thing or two.  The one time, He actually asks us for our help in His creation, we turn our backs on Him.  I hate to say this, but that woman is the prime example of so many who build portfolios and travel visas in their twenties and thirties only to find themselves lonely and depressed as they approach forty.

Of course, we have the pill to thank for our (ahem) liberation and the ability to work ourselves into the ground in pursuit of the latest designer handbag, pair of shoes, toy dog, or whatever.  Things will never make one happy - NEVER.  They are unfulfilling.  It's like a sugar rush.  You get so happy to have that bag of m&m's at 3pm, only to feel horrible at 4pm...longing for the meal.  Children are your offspring.  They are God's greatest gift to us.  They fulfill our lives in ways we could never comprehend before having them - like a wonderful homecooked meal (that takes time and effort) compared to the vending machine candy.  They are more than dressing them up in cute outfits and photographing them to show our colleagues and friends.  They are most definitely all about sleepless nights, messy houses, dirty clothes, diapers, impromptu artwork on the walls, runny noses, fevers, tummy aches, sibling rivalries, spitting contests, wrestling, repeated questions, lots of arm folding and eye rolling, but they are also about sloppy kisses all over your face, out-of-the-blue hugs and kisses and i love yous, homemade cards, hand holding, wearing beloved hand-me-downs, bubbly bubble baths, craft making, artwork proudly displayed on the fridge, jammie time, silly toddler words and catchphrases you'll remember for a lifetime, anytime snuggles, tiny hands caressing your face, a baby's gaze into your eyes, a teenager's "thank you", storybook reading, family vacations (that are torture at the time, but you wouldn't trade those funny memories for anything), lots of dancing (especially to Barry White), and the greatest most unconditional love you could ever know.  Our time on this earth is so limited and so precious.  If you have children, hug and kiss them a LOT.  Also, teach them how to be good parents - how to love children the way YOU love THEM.  We have to stop this pervasive negative attitude towards "family".  The time is right now.  You can never regain yesterday.