Apr. 10, 2007 - The Ever-Popular Question
While shopping with all my little ones, playing at the park or even at church, people often stop me after realizing that all five of the children with me are, in fact, mine. They ask, “How do you do it with five kids?” Most often I just smile, shrug and reply, “I don’t know, I just do.” It’s not very descriptive, I must say, and it certainly is no way to show how much I truly enjoy my job as a mother, nonetheless it has become my standard answer.
It is somewhat uncommon, these days, to see large families; let alone a family whose children are all so close in age. We are an anomaly. I would like my family to stand out because we follow and serve the Lord, not just because we have a lot of children marching closely (and sometimes not so closely) behind us.
This is why I have decided that I don’t care too much for my lazy answer. I would like to try to come up with something better... A reply that may cause people to realize that we are more than just a large family, with all of our little ones so close in age. I would like for people to see a family who honors God.
I know that without the Lord, I can do nothing. I have to rely on Him each and every day to supply my strength and the energy I need to run after five little ones, with one on the way! “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” (Phil. 4:13)
Each day I begin in prayer and thanksgiving for yet another day with my little ones. I have realized that the high calling I have as a wife and mother is truly one of honor and I treasure the time I have with my children. I shudder to think of all I would miss if I were away from my children every single day!
My husband's God-given role is the leader of our family, which takes the burden of making the big decisions off of me; otherwise I would crumble under the weight of it all. He loves me, supports me and encourages me in my role as his wife, the mother of our children, teacher of 5 little ones, and the keeper of our home. I would not make it through a single day without my husband’s shoulder to cry on, his hand to hold in prayer, and his ears to listen to the ramblings of my day.
I truly try to have joy in each day that God has given me. "And my soul shall be joyful in the LORD” (Psalm 35:9). Sometimes it is so hard to be joyful, but I have realized that this is a decision I need to make in the first few moments of the day. Sure, I feel overwhelmed, but I can be joyful through those times for “the joy of the Lord is my strength” (Neh. 8:10).
My mom and I were running errands today. Since she also has five kids (I am the oldest) and home schooled us all, I knew she could probably help me with my current dilemma. We talked a bit about some of the practical ways that enable me to handle having five kids…
Our family is organized; we have a systemized form. By this I do not mean that my house is clean, organized or even tidy at all times, however we all know our positions within our family structure. Daddy is the head over our family and what he says goes; Mommy is the heart, the nurturer, and the teacher (she fills in as boss too, while Daddy is absent). The activities in our household are focused primarily on our children now, while in the training years, but we do not have a child-centered home where the little ones rule.
My children know that they are required to be obedient in all things. I believe that they truly desire to be compliant and that they strive to please. They are however children, and children are sinful by nature and need direction and guidace.
Each of my older children has individual responsibilities and are assigned to specific chores each day. As each of my children become more responsible, they will be given additional tasks allowing my time and attention to be directed elsewhere (maybe the baby or a child needing extra attention).
Each day we have Quiet Time - On school days this time is usually late afternoon, otherwise it is during the younger children’s nap, and usually lasts 45 minutes to an hour. This Quiet Time allows me to clear my head and take a short break, while teaching the children how to be quiet. (They are allowed to read, color or assemble puzzles as long as they are quiet and stationary.)
Perhaps the biggest part of the perfect answer to this popular question has always been right under my nose... I recite Philippians 4:13 so often throughout my day, it only makes perfect sense to use it in my answer... When asked, "How do you do it?" my answer, from this day forward shall be, "Most importantly I can do it because of Christ's strength through me; this is what He created me to do!"
(Originally posted in September 2006 in 3 parts.)
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