The Big Number "3"

I love babies... especially my own. :) I am very excited for this new little life that grows inside of me; the sweet baby that we will meet 6 months from now. It seems that I spend hours thinking and anticipating what this little one will be like. While I often sit and wonder at the personality, gender, and disposition of our child, lately my main thought pattern is on the new family dynamics that lie ahead.

The big number "3" seems both intimidating and exciting.

It's a mixture of fear ("Ahhhhhh!! The kids outnumber the parents!!") along with the joy and blessing of being fruitful and multiplying ("Wow! The kids outnumber the parents!!")

Thoughts and questions come to mind, mostly about managing every day life with 3 little ones-- grocery shopping, exercise, money, stroller rides, sleep: how does it all work with 3 kids?


A lot of parent's shared their experiences with me. The stories were mingled with tales of postpartum depression, sleepless nights, and "when MY children were young we didn't have it so easy you do now..." None of which came close to the motivational speech I thought I needed to hear.


Part of me yearned for the comfort of a blanket reassurance: "It will all be okay." "You're a great mom." "You can do it." But deep inside I knew it wasn't enough. I knew it wouldn't hold up. I knew I was still lost if I battled on the basis of being a great mom.


As is often the case, my wonderful husband came through on more than one occasion. He listened to me. He validated my concerns. And then... he pointed me to Christ. That was the best and most comforting thing I've heard. There are going to be trials. There are going to be sleepless nights, days where I am frazzled and tired, and evenings when we reheat dinner 3 times before sitting down. But our strength and comfort is not of or in ourselves. Our hope is in our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, who has paid the debt, who knows our needs, who keeps us under the shadow of His wings, who bears our burdens, who pours out His mercy and grace, and who gives us the promises of His word.

Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.

Isaiah 41:10

Yes, that is the hope, that is the comfort. Amidst the challenge and excitement, the fear and amazement of 3 children. God is in control and will never leave us or forsake us. What a promise. What a comfort.