I think I have already discussed at length the birth of each of my children, but those moments would be collectively among the most positive of my life. The moment in the Timpanogos Temple when Mother told me that the Spirit had told her that we were to have a fifth child was a wonderful moment. Adam's birth, being the first, affected me most. Being a parent for the first time is amazing and wonderful and frightening all at the same time. Here was this little boy, and I wanted him to be like me. I was afraid that he might be like me. When fathers and sons are too much alike, they butt heads and don't get along well. We did alright.
We live at a time when bearing and rearing children is not so valued. Pondering and studying has taught me that the world is growing darker. Hope is less. Faith is mocked. Charity is dead. But the birth of each new child brings a fresh supply of faith, hope, and charity to the earth--a new batch of innocence. When a society quits bearing children, cynicism rises. That God still sends his precious little ones is evidence that He still has faith and trust in us.
Jacob, of course, has been a great source of happiness to a couple who should have been done with childbearing. I think I've said it before, but I'll say it again: "The best cure for teenagers who think you are a jerk is to have a little one who thinks that you are all the world." You can quote me on that.
Each of your births has been the most positive moment in my life.
No comments:
Post a Comment