(I know there’s a movie out with this title right now, but don’t worry, I’m not going to do a movie review! It was a cute movie though…we saw it, and a few others when my mother was visiting!)
I’ve just been thinking about this concept lately, sparked partly by seeing the movie, but mostly by things happening in my life recently. So I’m wondering…can happiness be persued and…”caught?” Personally, I don’t believe so. I am most happy in my life when I am living honestly - with myself, my Lord, and others - and when I take time to enjoy simple moments. When this becomes the focus of my life, happiness becomes…well, almost like a by-product. Something that flows out of me, instead of being possesed by me.
So, here’s the thing…I wanted to dispell the myth right now that I’m hoping for a girl (I’ve been asked this way to many times already!), and will be dissapointed with a boy. I would love to have another boy! And I don’t believe for a second that having a girl will make me happy.
I did. For a long time I did. I believed that the “perfect” family was one boy, and one girl. And this lie still tries to sneak it’s way into my head. I can’t tell you how many people (christian people too!) with the “perfect” family, have said to me – with a look of pity – “We just got lucky, and had a boy and a girl right away.” And I’m left wondering, “So, you think I’m terribly unlucky?”
No way! I love my three boys immensely, and I am beyond lucky, I am blessed! They’re amazing, and it’s exciting to imagine the men that they will become someday. I love applauding their stregnths, guiding them through their weaknesses, and watching them learn about life. There is happiness in this! (And by the way, luck has nothing to do with the sex of our children – I know my children have been hand-picked by the Lord for our family!)
OK, I’m done. I’m definately an introvert…an inward processor, and I rarely share such thoughts with people. I hope I’ve made you think…and if I haven’t, then at least you’ll be one less person that will ask me, “You must be hoping for a girl?”
Grampie Horsman
January 12, 2007 at 1:48 pm
Janet, how BLESSED the whole Horsman family is to have you a part of us! What a good word! If you were a preacher, I’m sure you would have gotten a good offering after that! Your family is awesome! I see so much of Joanneand her ways in you as you guide your boys through life and I know she did a good job so I’m sure your family will always be as much a blessing to you as mine have been and are to me!
Sarah
January 12, 2007 at 2:03 pm
I can 100 % relate!!!
I am STILL getting asked if we are going to keep trying for a girl. (which gives me mixed emotions)
God has given us boys, and we are blessed!!
And whatever you have… boy or girl…. you are blessed, because children bring us buckets of joy!!
How are you feeling these days?? And what do your boys have to say about the coming baby?
Jilly
January 12, 2007 at 2:27 pm
My dear sister – yep, your amazing! Your “little prophets” are amazing and hand picked by God alone for sure and as the years go by I am excited to see God’s plan unfold for all of you! Thanks Grampie Horsman for giving my sister such a beautiful compliment! We all think she is quite the little mommy too!
We are praying for new baby always and girl or boy it will be the most wonderful addition!
And sorry if I ever asked if you wanted a girl :O) But sisters are allowed to annoy you:O)
Hugs!
Jill
Janet
January 12, 2007 at 2:46 pm
Hello commenter’s!
Yes, thank you Grampie Horsman for the beautiful compliment!
Sarah, I thought of you as I wrote this post, and I knew you would be able to relate! I’m feeling much better lately, still tired, but better. Elijah is very excited about the new baby…Zeke wants to name it Leo if it’s a boy! Â Isn’t that funny? And Noah has no idea what’s about to happen, but I think he’ll do ok.
And dear Jill… of course it’s ok if you’ve asked if I want a girl! There is a huge difference between “wanting” a girl, and “hoping” for a girl… of course I want a girl, but on the other hand, I very much want a boy too!
Darlene
January 15, 2007 at 8:13 am
Thanking GOD, for the gift of “YOU”
Renee
January 16, 2007 at 12:21 pm
Good for YOU! I get so annoyed when people make comments like that. Even after we only had ONE child, people kept asking me if I hoped we’ve have a boy this time. Um…no. I hoped we’d have a baby. After a while I’d start saying things like “Well, I have to admit…if I give birth and it’s a turtle I’ll feel disappointed.”
I could go off on a whole soapbox speech about this topic, but I won’t. I’m glad you’re in such a good place with everything. There are too many people who would give anything to have ANY baby. I’m so thankful that having babies has come “easily” for us, that I don’t have to endure countless procedures, etc. to have a baby. There are SO many things to be thankful for, not the least of which are the PERFECT children God has given us!