Responsibility

Happy Thursday, folks! We’re anxiously awaiting the arrival of our newest niece around here.

That will make numero 8.

Yes, 8.

(soon-to-be) 3 nieces + 5 nephews.

By the time Ian and I get around to having kids, we’ll have enough for an entire soccer team. Maybe even football.

Anyway…Ian and I made our way up north a few weeks ago to go to | this | church that I attended while going to OSU. While we were there, they did a baby dedication, and the pastor said one of the most amazing things I’ve ever heard:

I was blown away. And to be honest, I don’t think I listened to a single word the rest of the sermon, because I was so focused on this simple thought.

Ian and I don’t have children yet, but this is already the desire of my heart for when the Lord decides we’re ready to be parents. As I look towards the future, I find joy in knowing that the Father will entrust us with this enormous responsibility, and that we get to be a light and let Him shine through us, especially to our kids.

Upon leaving church that Sunday, I began to pray this over Ian and I for if, and when, we get to become parents.

That He would shine through us in every single thing we do, both in the presence of our children and when they’re not around. That less time would be spent disciplining our children and more time would be spend disciplining ourselves. That we would be Godly. That we would be an example for our children.

Not the world.

Not the media.

Ian + I.

“Point your kids in the right direction- when they’re old they won’t be lost.”

Proverbs 22:6, The Message

Disciplined children begin with disciplined parents.

Can someone remind me of this when we actually have children and I’m pulling my hair out and just want to set them in front of the television for 30 minutes so I can get a thing done?

Just kidding.
But seriously.

P.S. While writing this  post, I had Teen Mom on in the background. What is with this show? It’s like a car wreck- you don’t want to watch, but you can’t look away. Note to self, don’t let our kids watch that show.
Ever.