In response to an initial introduction and the typical inquiries of new acquaintances, I will generally begin by saying that I am married and have four children. In truth, I am a mother of five children. One has gone on before me.
Two years after our fourth child was born, I became pregnant again. It wasn’t an intentional pregnancy, and I was less than excited about the prospect of adding another family member to an already full household. I actually prayed that God might take the child and was even tempted to wonder if ending its life early would be best in light of our circumstances. But, as I sought the Lord and looked into the eyes of the four little pieces of eternity that challenged and blessed me day after day, I came to appreciate that God’s gifts and His plan always far exceed my expectations.