I know, I know. I have been awful at updating about the babies. Life has been so busy, I never feel like I can just take a minute and think of something clever and witty to write. James is constantly on my case to update and write, but I always think of some excuse as to why I can't.
So today I will! Not only because I can't think of an excuse as to why not, but also because I don't want the twins to think their childhood was negative. It has been busy and chaotic, and a complete whirl wind, but not bad and not anything that we regret.
I want to write about our large family. We do have a very large family now and although it is crazy busy at times and the kids may feel like they aren't getting the one on one attention that they were used to before, this is good. WHY you may ask could something that sounds so negative be good.
For me it is because we are teaching our kids to be self-less. Not only have James and I learnt this, or are constantly having to learn it daily. We are having to put our own desires and wants aside for these two little ones who are totally worth it!
I remember seeing a family with two older daughters that had adopted a set of toddler twins. At first I felt so sorry for the girls, how they were missing out on their teen years having to now help take care of these younger children. I thought how I would react, saying no, fighting my parents to have to do anything. BUT then I got to know these girls. They are the most thoughtful, caring, giving people I had ever met. They were able to put others before themselves, think beyond their own selfish desires and love people for who they were, rather than what they were able to get out of the relationship.
Seeing this family made me realize I wanted a larger family. (ok I wanted 4 kids! But will gladly accept the 5 given!) Not only are my children growing up with an attitude of 'its not about me', but they are learning the importance of giving rather than receiving. Of putting others before yourself, and even if you don't want to do something you have to do it!!
Now, please don't think these lessons are coming easy. In fact it is the hardest thing any of us here have had to learn. I have had to put my desires on hold, James has had to give up so much to help with the babies. There is never a moment that we are both able to have time to ourselves. We are always on. The kids have had to learn that if they want something, they have to wait, or if not willing to wait they have to go without.
Our house has been in a constant state of change these last 12 weeks and I pray that it would continue to change us for the better. That whatever we are supposed to be learning when our whole house is in chaos and both James and I want to step away, but are unable to; will give us strength and help us be better people.
Romans 5:2-5
And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God.Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.
