Young people do believe they can’t afford children. Quick anecdote, I was talking to a young man working in a Lego store yesterday. He said he couldn’t afford children. I told him, times have always been tough. I was in high school during the stagflation years of Jimmy Carter. Mortgage rates could be as high as 17%. I didn’t bother going into earlier generation’s struggles. The problem today is people expect so much more, stuff, keeping up with the Joneses syndrome if you will. But a normal life, without online videos of a glamorous lifestyle can be wonderful.
I've saved money having a son. I don't need to spend money on myself anymore and kids are genuinely happy with the smallest of pleasures. I don't understand why people say kids are expensive. Adults cost far more.
You have touched upon what I call glory in the daily-ness of life. It creates contentment and a profound sense of accomplishment when cultivated. If you are capable of a small stab of joy when your windowsill cactus puts out a tentative bud; or a beautifully written line of prose stirs your admiration; If you can enjoy a laugh at your own folly and stupidity, then forgive yourself, as you forgive others, with a vision of connectedness to imperfect humanity; if you can truly thank God, with a heart ripe with gratitude for His care ... well, I'm sure you get the idea. Add children and grandchildren, and you are in the midst of Goodness Itself.
After the election, the outcome surprisingly (to me) felt so decisive in a palpable way that it seemed we could finally rest for a bit. Like, it was okay to stop fighting and "go home and plant crops" kind of feeling. I am super grateful for this reprieve and that normal is making a comeback!
My son, who always said he had no time, money, inclination or nerve to have children is going to be a father. Astonishing. My sister, on the other had, has spent her entire life making money and gaining fame as a world champion water -skier. When she can not ski any more, its desolation row.
Young people do believe they can’t afford children. Quick anecdote, I was talking to a young man working in a Lego store yesterday. He said he couldn’t afford children. I told him, times have always been tough. I was in high school during the stagflation years of Jimmy Carter. Mortgage rates could be as high as 17%. I didn’t bother going into earlier generation’s struggles. The problem today is people expect so much more, stuff, keeping up with the Joneses syndrome if you will. But a normal life, without online videos of a glamorous lifestyle can be wonderful.
I've saved money having a son. I don't need to spend money on myself anymore and kids are genuinely happy with the smallest of pleasures. I don't understand why people say kids are expensive. Adults cost far more.
Yes, if people could learn to find joy in their family instead of Amazon packages and doomscrolling the world would be a better place.
You have touched upon what I call glory in the daily-ness of life. It creates contentment and a profound sense of accomplishment when cultivated. If you are capable of a small stab of joy when your windowsill cactus puts out a tentative bud; or a beautifully written line of prose stirs your admiration; If you can enjoy a laugh at your own folly and stupidity, then forgive yourself, as you forgive others, with a vision of connectedness to imperfect humanity; if you can truly thank God, with a heart ripe with gratitude for His care ... well, I'm sure you get the idea. Add children and grandchildren, and you are in the midst of Goodness Itself.
Amen, amen.
After the election, the outcome surprisingly (to me) felt so decisive in a palpable way that it seemed we could finally rest for a bit. Like, it was okay to stop fighting and "go home and plant crops" kind of feeling. I am super grateful for this reprieve and that normal is making a comeback!
My son, who always said he had no time, money, inclination or nerve to have children is going to be a father. Astonishing. My sister, on the other had, has spent her entire life making money and gaining fame as a world champion water -skier. When she can not ski any more, its desolation row.
One is happy when one is blessed.
Matthew 5"1-11
5 And seeing the multitudes, he went up into a mountain: and when he was set, his disciples came unto him:
2 And he opened his mouth, and taught them, saying,
3 Happy are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
4 Happy are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.
5 Happy are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.
6 Happy are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.
7 Happy are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.
8 Happy are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.
9 Happy are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.
10 Happy are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
11 Happy are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake.