Abundance

Postpartum is such a crazy time.  One moment I’m on the top of the world snuggling this sweet little baby, the next I’m yelling because the dog got out again, the toddler peed his pants, and seemingly every toy in the house is on the floor.

 

If there’s one thing I’ve learned after seven kids it’s that this time is so fleeting.  I remember after having my first I was always looking forward to the next stage because I thought it would get easier.  Now I do my best to embrace the messy season that postpartum can be, because a child is only this small and squishy for a few short weeks.  Already I see how much Oz has changed and plumped and it makes me heart both soar and ache for how quickly life passes.  

We have a son about to get his driving permit and another son in newborn diapers.  I cried recently because Brad told me how old we would be when Oz is 40 (79 and 80!).  Life is wild and wonderful and while there are days I long for more sleep and a tidier house, I love that small children have now consumed nearly 16 years of my life.  They bring so much joy and laughter which has helped soften my sometimes hard heart over the years.  

There have been so many blessings for our family in this season.  We’ve been fed, our floors have been swept, our kids have been taken to the places they need to go, and Oz is stocked with clothes and diapers.  Yesterday I grabbed a package from the porch that I thought was from Walmart but it ended up being a gorgeous nursing sundress (sent anonymously, so if it was you please let me know!  I am so grateful).  The level of blessing with this seventh child of ours is so immense.  

When things expand and grow, whether it be families or ministries, it’s easy to worry that there won’t be enough.  I’ve worried that I won’t have enough time or energy to parent another child, or that my other children will be slighted.  I’ve worried that we won’t have enough money for all the food, clothes, and resources that seven kids require.  I’ve worried that Brad and I don’t have enough energy and wisdom to run this ministry and that I won’t have enough time to invest into the community we have.  

It might look different than I expect, but God always provides. 

He’s provided vehicles when ours were nearing their demise.  He’s provided food and meals and friends who think of us when they are thrifting and come back with a bag full of adorable baby clothes.  Even in the small moments, when I need a moment with a sad or hurting child, He makes a quiet space in my day.  He’s provided me with a house full of baby holders so I can do the dishes and sweep the floors.  And above and beyond, God has proved to me that he even sees the desires of my heart, which recently have been a sweet linen dress perfect and flowy for this upcoming postpartum season.  

The Lord cares so deeply for us.