A Full Quiver

I believe it was at my sister's wedding shower, at my Uncle Dale and Aunt Diane's house during some regular conversation, that Diane said one of those very simple things that I have always remembered (much like another simple statement about parenthood I mentioned before at http://inspirationandmusings.blogspot.com/2008/11/joy-of-fatherhood.html).  We were discussing family and I made some generic comment about them having quite a few children.  (They have eight.)

Diane responded, saying, "If I could do it again I would have them closer together, so that I could have more."

That quotation might not be word-for-word, but the idea is clear.  It is a sentiment that is vastly different from the majority of people in the world.  Many have few children, and some have none at all by their own choice.  People often enough speak of children as being a burden or a hassle, and in some ways it's very easy to sympathize with them.  But Diane saw a value in her children that inspired her to keep having them until she no longer could.

As for myself, I see parenthood as a great task, a great honor, and a great joy.  Psalms 127:4-5 reads, "As arrows are in the hand of a mighty man; so are children of the youth.  Happy is the man that hath his quiver full of them".  My quiver now has five children; I don't think that's quite "full", but each of my children makes me happy.

Maybe I value my aunt's words partially because I like to think differently from the worldly masses, but I felt truth in what she said, or rather in the implication that it is a great blessing to have many children, and that the attitude that will be the best for us is one that brings us to seek out the joys of parenthood in great measure.  I know that many people are medically unable to have children, or to have more children, and I know I am very blessed with the children I have.

Last thoughts for now:
I'm grateful for my children, and grateful to my wife for not only bearing them for me but also for showing such astounding dedication to raising them well and for supporting me as I follow my heart in parenting, even when it means doing some unusual or uncommon things.  I don't know how many children I'll end up with, but I'm glad for those who are with me.

Joy of Fatherhood

At Snow College, I was an assistant ward clerk for a while. One day, while we were waiting for a meeting to start, Bishop Cragun shared a thought with us. I don't think he particularly intended to teach anything with his words, but they have stayed with me. He was speaking of one of his children and one of their activities (I believe it was wrestling). He said that he had wrestled when he was younger, but it was more fun to watch his children do it.

I remember coming to a strange realization myself. I remember echoing others' thoughts that children are entertained by the simplest things. Then, one day as I watched my own daughter, I saw the other side of it: I'm entertained when she does the simplest things. I love hearing her speak. I love watching her learn. She is endlessly entertaining.

Those who achieve the highest degree of exaltation do so specifically because they will exercise the greatest power: procreation. The greatest joy beings can have is found in watching our children and helping them to grow.

Last thoughts for now:
After personal righteousness, my greatest concern is for my family. I look forward to having more children and raising them to love life and live truth.