It seems our church is exploding, and a blessed way. Recent “We’re expecting!” announcements have filled Facebook and emails, and we are using the word Congratulations for more than the numerous I’m Graduating invitations coming in the mail.
My daughter and I were doing a finger-count this morning. We think the number is between 15 and 20 of our lovely young mothers nurturing tiny ones. Our church is growing!
I can remember a time when leaders were saying we should limit the number of children, not as strictly as China has done with its abhorrent One Child Policy, but encouragement of limiting family size. Economically, I suppose it makes sense. I read yesterday that my beloved Hope College expects payment next year for tuition, room, and board to exceed $37,500 per year. That will assuredly wreck any family’s budget, even with some grants, assistantships, scholarships, and loans. I also read recently that the estimate to raise one child in America to age 18 is estimated at around $236,000. How will my son and daughter-in-love do that for two, so far, on teachers’ salaries?
Here’s how. We did it! You teach your little ones what our grandparents knew: reuse, repurpose, redesign, and keep wants and needs in perspective. The advertising, the attitudes of entitements, and the “everyone else has…” need to be explained, understood, and followed. Materialistic attitudes and habits will cause undue tensions and hardships.
However, the joys of raising Godly children is a privilege without price or worth. When our 23 month old says, “I love you!”, it is a treasure far beyond having a bank account, and somehow, these dear families are about to experience the joys of parenthood which is unlike any other gift.
Meanwhile, our nursery at church will be filled with joyful noise, opportunities to serve, and will perpetuate the church in this place. Hallelujah!
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