I've been thinking a lot about the event of the Annunciation. The virgin Mary is scared and a bit confused. In effect, God is asking her, "I've chosen you. Are you available? Are you open? Are you willing?" The tone is not "do you have what it takes? do you have the resources?". Mary's response is so interesting. It's not "I'm sufficient" or "I've got what it takes" but rather "Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word." Open submission to His Will even though she does not fully understand what's in store for her. Her implicit trust... what an example for us! God is sending her a child that will cause her much difficulty. He's born in an animal feeding trough. They later have to flee their homes to save His life. She later gets to watch Him die on the Cross. All the while, she trusts. Amazing!
I think about this when I frequently hear about peers who "know" that "they're done" with their family size. We know many who thought they were done at two children but then a few years later felt called to have another. They were extremely glad they didn't do anything to permanently preclude future children.
Then I think of the unexpected consequences. My grandmothers both lost children in car accidents. I don't know what they would have done if those children were their only children. My mom had two cousins who also lost teenage children in car accidents. One was an only child. Now she's in her fifties and has no children. We just don't know what God has in store for our families. We can plan but we shouldn't pretend that things are fixed in stone. Otherwise when the unexpected happens, it can be easy to blame God. "This wasn't supposed to happen! How could you!"
Being open as the Catholic Church calls us to be doesn't mean that we become baby making machines. It does call us to be open and seriously ponder the service God is calling us to live. While children are a challenge, it's interesting to note that in the Bible they are always referred to as blessings. There is no proverb saying "Blessed are those with only two children for they shall afford college education" or "Blessed are those whose children are spaced four years apart for they shall never be stuck double-diapering." Consider instead Psalm 128.
Yesterday Michelle found out some great news. Our good friend Mary Martinez is with child. Evidently they had a great vacation last month in Colorado. (wink) Let's pray for a smooth pregnancy and delivery for her.
Claire has off from school this week as NH schools celebrate their winter break. I'm taking Tuesday and Thursday off to spend some time with her and the kids. We plan to go to visit the Nix's (up north in Belmont) on Thursday.
Last Sunday afternoon we took the family to visit the sisters at the Infant Jesus convent. The sisters there were happy to see the kids and hold the twins. The girls had a nice time too. Abby cried when it was time to leave.