Raising 5 children

One of the greatest joys and biggest challenges of my life comes with raising 5 kids. Each one of them has their own unique personality, gifts, and struggles. One of the favorite moments of my day is my drive home from work because I know my kids will be home just waiting for me to walk through that door. They run to me for hugs yelling daddy's home, daddy's home. I give hugs and kisses back and ask home there day was. I will sit down on the floor or at a stool by the counter and hang out for a little bit with them, playing or just talking. It is a great moment.

Something interesting often happens at this time however. What was my favorite part of the day slowly but quickly becomes a dreaded time of the day. Because now I hear about the latest behavioral issue with one of them. Another shows me their grades from school that day. Two others are arguing & shouting at each other. The babies won't stop crying because mom is trying to cook dinner and won't give them her attention. "Somehow mine will never do in those circumstances." Pretty soon it all gets a little overwhelming and I find myself forgetting the excitement I had on my way home. I have forgotten the smiles, the times where we have played together, thrown the ball together, pushed them on the swing, or attended one of their plays. Now I am just agitated, irritated and not all that excited. I regularly have to remind myself that being a parent isn't always a rose garden. That my children are not always going to be perfect and that it is going to be a lot of loving work. The work that I need to continue to do is learn how to keep and even temperament when things are overwhelming and not going well. It is so easy for my attitude shift from excitement to anger with my children. I am practicing taking deep breathes and praying for a lot more patience. I try to find something that each of my children like doing with me that is different than what their brother and sister do. With Austin I play catch or play any kind of sports with him. Tawna and I like to share music together with my iPod. Hailey sits in my lap and gets big hugs and sometimes we play a board game together. Isabel likes to play in her room with me with her kitchen set. E-beth just likes me to read her a book.

Raising kids no matter how many there are is a challenge. I feel it is one of the most important roles God has given me in my life...to raise them up to be Godly men and women. Having children has also forced me to rely on God's strength much, much more. I thank him for all he has done in my life...For the good, the bad, and even the ugly. Blessings, your dreaming pastor