life is children

       I am currently reading a book called feathers from my nest by a well-known Christian author, Beth Moore. In this book, Beth reflects on items associated with her daughters who have both left for college. Symbolically, these items are "feathers from her nest," or more simply put, memories that happened while she was raising her children. I gave this book to my mom when I left for college because I could tell it was a hard time for her. After mom (slowly) read the book, she encouraged me to read it as well. Of course I don't have any children, and obviously I don't have children leaving the nest soon, but she said the novel also provides good guidance on how to raise a Christian based family. So here I am reading each chapter, and taking notes on how to raise my future family.

       For as many years as I can remember, the biggest thing I have ever wanted from life is children. I am a little on the far side of obsessed with kids. Growing up, anyone could tell you that I wanted 6 kids and that I was going to name my first daughter Bennlie. Today, not a lot has changed. I have lowered my vast number down to 4 (but secretly wouldn't mind if I had triplets on my fourth pregnancy). Reading this book makes me even more excited for my life when I start having kids. This passage I can upon really stuck out to me and made me realize how important children are.

       I cannot express enough how true it is that, "you could find a child almost anywhere you find a lot of life." In church this Sunday, the Pastor made a comment that we need to actually listen to kids when they talk. Yeah, the story they are telling might take twice as long as it should, but there really is meaning behind what they have to tell us. We need to take time to listen to people when they are talking. We get so caught up in going from one task to the next that we forget to enjoy the precious time we are currently experiencing. My challenge to you is to stop and really listen to someone when they are talking. To be engaged in the conversation, not just listen to bits and pieces. 

"Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others." Philippians 2:3-4