Reflection

You know how usually when you're studying the scriptures and words of the living prophets, you think, "Oh, I really need to work on that. I need to be more patient. Persuasion, gentleness, love unfeigned, that's what I need. A soft answer turneth away wrath. I oughtta try that more." You know the feeling, right?

Well, every once in a while, it's kinda nice to feel like, "yeah, I think I'm doing everything I possibly can in that regard." Like when you're sitting there, pregnant with your fifth child and your oldest is barely six and you read these words of Elder Ezra Taft Benson: "The first commandment given to man was to multiply and replenish the earth with children. That commandment has never been altered, modified, or cancelled. The Lord did not say to multiply and replenish the earth if it is convenient, or if you are wealthy, or if you have gotten all your schooling, or when there is peace on earth, or until you have four children. The Bible says, "Lo, children are an heritage of the Lord:...Happy is the man that hath his quiver full of them.' (Psalms 127:3,5)."

There's an awesome family in our branch here who has 9 delightful children, ranging in age from on a mission to still in nursery. You can just tell what great friends their kids are. I look at their family and think, "Wow, how fun! How wonderful to be blessed with so many kids all in one house. I hope we're blessed to have a great big family like we both grew up in." As the mother of this family said in a talk in church a couple weeks ago, "I always wanted to have a big family. I feel like I've won the lottery." Isn't that a great attitude? I just love her priorities. They certainly have their quiver full of kids and seem as happy as the Psalmist indicates a man would be. I currently feel so blessed to have the opportunity to welcome another precious child into our home!