Kids are better than expendable income

Recently I was introduced to someone as a family man who "has 4 kids."

The guy's first response, "Sucker."

Amazed at his audacity, I gave a polite, awkward laugh at his absurd comment. I thought, "I'll give him the benefit of the doubt."

Then his pity toward me continued, "I happen to enjoy my expendable income."

Now that's brilliant. Unfortunately, it's the genius of humanity when overcome by narcissism. Look at Europe- they're paying people to have children. (I'll save this rant for another post...)

I took these pictures today. We've got some awesome neighbor friends who are great at sharing toys. This picture of Cameron and Beck in the pimped out Escalade made me think of this guy's comments.

What is worth more? At the end of the day, what brings greater joy?

The toy or the kid?

I had Beck clinging to my leg as we rode around the neighborhood on the skateboard thinking, "Does life get any better?" I have a feeling I'll reminisce about these days. Sometimes I don't appreciate it as much as I should. Sometimes the hard work of raising kids seems overwhelming. Sometimes an expendable income appears more worth it.

But my sanity is restored when I stop and think about the stupidity of selfishness. A self centered universe doesn't look so brilliant on one's death bed. The fact is, everyone wants to look back on their life and see a trail of righteousness- whether it's children and grandchildren who love Jesus- or people who you've impacted.

At the end of our lives, one thing is for sure, our expendable income is the last thing that will matter.

To singles and young families- let me give a plug for having as many kids as you can handle. Close your ears to the world, which screams (with every billboard, commercial,...), "How will you enjoy your life if you let 2, 4, 5 or 10 kids get in the way of your pleasure?" and hear the words of God, "Children are a blessing from me." see Psalm 127: 3-5.

Don't believe the prevailing cultural nonsense about you being the center of the universe. Our purpose on planet earth is much bigger than trinkets and toys.