Jennine and I are filled with joy for the arrival of our baby daughter Marian Marguerite Garda. Marian is so precious, gentle and beautiful. We can hold her and stare at her for hours on end.
Courtesy of Amit Kujur from Flickr.com
An Overflow of Joy
Marian is our first child so Jennine and I are experiencing a steep learning curve. She requires attention around the clock. Changing dirty diapers, bathing, and feeding is a cycle that we repeat countless times in one day. This cycle has resulted in a lack of sleep for both of us and some considerable physical discomfort for Jennine.
Yet, Jennine and I, have been filled with overflowing joy. For me, it only takes a look into Marian’s tiny blue eyes, hear her sniffle, or hold her close to me and all the pleasures and comforts I once cherished cease to matter.
Don’t seek Comfort, Seek Greatness
A couple of weeks ago I was greeting parents as they were dropping off their kids at St. Luke’s for our Friday night youth group. I shared with one mom how excited Jennine and I were for the arrival of our baby daughter. To my surprise, she looked at me as if she was offended and told me that I was too young to have children. At first I was caught off guard and responded with a smile. Later that evening I realized that I shouldn’t have been surprised by the lady’s words.
In our Western culture it has become counter–cultural to have children at a young age. I’m not ashamed to share with others that I am twenty-six years old and have an amazing wife and a beautiful baby daughter.
Having a family is often portrayed as something that gets in the way of happiness. Here are three arguments I have heard consistently against starting a family at a young age.
- Success. If you want to be happy you have to have to make a lot of money. Children will only get in the way of obtaining your professional goals.
- Commitment. You’re still young. You should be travelling, having a “good time” and not tying yourself down in a committed relationship.
- Busyness. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve heard this: “Life is just too busy to think about having children.” From my observation, “busyness” has become a social virtue. The busier you are the more meaningful your life is.
In all honesty, I used to think the same way. However, as I continue to put more of my trust in Jesus Christ it has become clear that these reasons against starting a family at a young age are superficial.
The Abundant Life
In John 10:10 Jesus says to his disciples, “I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.”
This is absolutely true. Before starting a relationship with Jesus I lived by the above three misguiding commandments. I wanted to be successful. So I will become a lawyer, I thought to myself. I was afraid of commitment, so I chased women with friends in university. I tried to get involved with as many extra activities that I could handle. The more I do, I was told, the more I will increase my chances of success.
It’s amazing how faithful Jesus is. I have a baby girl and I make no secret of the fact that it is a lot of work. But guess what? I have a fulfilling job. I don’t make anywhere near a three–figure salary, but I love going to work in the morning. I also make time for writing on my blog and doing research for personal projects. In addition, I do speaking engagements on the side. Most importantly, my wife and I have a blast together. There is not a day that passes without us having a good laugh about something.
I never imagined by life to turn out the way it has at my age. In fact, it is a lot better. Once I stopped seeking comfort I started achieving great things. I love the following passage from the Apostle Paul:
“But as it is written, ‘What no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor human heart conceived, what God has prepared for those who love him’” (1 Corinthians 2:9).
In the birth of our little girl, Marian, God has reaffirmed this promise in my life.
What do you think God has prepared for you? He’s waiting for you to listen to him.
Question. 1. How do you think the world perceives “happiness” today? 2. What do you think is the point of life?
