I think all of us at some point in the direction of our children and say, “Remind me why we had those…” If you haven’t done that, you probably aren’t done raising them yet.
We ask that in moments of frustration when we are hurt or not sure what to do. If you are like me, it doesn’t take long before you remember. I like to remember.
I had children because I love to love. It is part of the image of God in us that we love like He loves. We had our part in creating and we created that we might love. We love them as they are and as they will be. We love them without regard to their ability or willingness to love us back. We love them even though we know they will break our heart. I love my children!
I had children because they remind me what is to come. Every time I look at one of my children, I think about all of the life that is before them. There is school, love, work, children, following Jesus—life. Much of that life is now behind me. All of the things I wanted to do, but didn’t—they are on the front end of that. They get to tackle it all for themselves. It will be fun to watch. They give me hope.
I had children because children are good and they are from God. They are His blessing to me.
Behold, children are a gift of the Lord
The fruit of the womb is a reward.
Like arrows in the hand of a warrior,
So are the children of one’s youth.
How blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them;
They will not be ashamed
When they speak with their enemies in the gate
–Psalm 127:3-5
That is why I had kids.