Out-numbered

Sometimes I feel out-numbered.

Like the other day while David was at school and the kiddos and I were at home.

Little Baby was lying on the couch beside me, fussing because she wanted to be held.

Two little toddlers were on my lap, crying their hearts out because... I still have no idea why.

Older sisters were in the kitchen loudly arguing and fighting over something silly.

The boy was whining and complaining about the fact that he was to pick up all the legos scattered across the floor.

I felt out-numbered.

Or what about the other day at bedtime?

I was brushing one little toddler's teeth.

The other little toddler was upset that I wasn't brushing her teeth at that very moment, and, having a little hissy-fit, banged her mouth against the side of the bathtub, causing her bottom lip to bleed profusely.

A certain older sister was standing on the windowsill in her room, and somehow forgot that one is supposed to use a toilet vs. "going" right where you are.

Little Baby was lying on our bed, fussing because she wanted to eat.

The boy was running all around, burning off some energy before being confined to his bed for the night.

Oldest sister was trying to brush her hair and complaining that it hurt too much.

I felt out-numbered.

If only I had more hands... more laps...

But I don't.  He's given me only two hands, and a lap that can only squish about three little ones on at a time. And He's graciously given me six little ones.  This is my God-given job right now, and it is my desire to be faithful to Him in this work He presently has given to me. It's not always fun, it's not always easy. Actually, it can be down-right exhausting at times! And honestly, this work of mothering these six little ones often shows me how corrupt and sinful I actually am! (I'm so thankful for His grace and the quick forgiving hearts of little ones.)  But, there's no other job I'd rather be doing right now.

When things get loud at our house (and let me tell you, they can get L-O-U-D!), I often start singing the old familiar hymn, "Blessed quietness, holy quietness, blessed assurance in my soul. On the stormy sea, Jesus speaks to me, and the billows cease to roll." It helps keep me calm, knowing that even in the midst of noise, I can be quiet and at peace inside. And it makes me chuckle, as it is anything but quiet! =)

I know that someday I will look back on these years while my children are small, and miss them... noise, chaos and all.  May I make the most of each day... each moment... and most of all, remain faithful to Him.