A Day at the Park

Yesterday we went to the park. (It was the last sunny day for at least a week.) Here are my honey and I with our four kiddos playing and running. I was at the swings with Gia when a mom with a little boy who is 3 weeks younger than Gia came up and put her son in the swing next to us. He was so unsure of the swing and while the mom was next to me, we started talking. It started out small just about the swings but then went from there. She was amazed when she saw I had four kids. She was saying how she and her husband just started talking about when they wanted to have another but he did not think he was ready and she was starting to think she was. She said she could not wait to tell him she met a mom with four kids.
I love that God put her in my path so she could see that it is not impossible to take care of a lot of children. I also love the fact that I had taken the time in the morning to make myself ready for the day. I was showered and put together. I looked rested and was not one who looked frazzled or overwhelmed. My clothes were clean and not worn out or ragged, and my hair was not just put back in a scrunchie.
This is a huge witness to anyone who thinks having a lot of kids is irresponsible. If you have a “lot” of kids (this term is relative some think for is a lot and I think 16 is a lot) but look like you don’t take care of yourself then you are not being a good witness to those around you. I am not saying you should look like a model with no hair out of place or dress in business cloths but you should look put together when you go out. This world looks at the outside first impression and if we fail at that then we have not done the family lifestyle justice.
The mom I met was excited to have met me and hopes that she will see me again. I am praying God crosses our paths at the one of the parks (our town has a least 12 play areas within the city park and throughout town) again when the rain that is to be here for a while moves on its way and the sun comes back.
So, I ask you as a mom, “How is your witness?”

Proverbs 31:22 She maketh herself coverings of tapestry; her clothing is silk and purple.


Proverbs 31:26 She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness.