In the Bible, having many children is a blessing from God. But in our society, if a couple has more than two children, people sneer, "Haven't they heard of birth control?" Babies are seen as a frightful invasion to be halted.

Babies are an invasion, all right. They are an invasion of love into our selfishness, an invasion of joy into our dullness, an invasion of mystery into our predictability, an invasion of purpose into our aimlessness, an invasion of wonder into our boredom, an invasion of life to carry on after we die. Babies are God's invasion of blessing, promise and future.

Why would such a wonderful invasion scare us? Perhaps we're scared of babies because we're scared of the God who creates babies. Babies have a mind of their own, and so does God. Babies make demands on our time and energy, and so does God. Babies aren't convenient, and neither is God. Both are bothersome. We don't want too many babies, and we don't want too much of God. We want complete control of our own lives, not unplanned interruptions.

Planned Barrenhood tells us that the world has too many people and that babies are problems to be prevented. But God tells us that babies are blessings to be welcomed and celebrated. The best way to reduce stress is not to have fewer children but to have more of God. The Lord builds the house and gives rest to those he loves.

PRAYER--Thank you, Lord, for bothersome blessings. Help us delight in every child you give. When we feel overwhelmed, refresh us with your strength and wisdom. Amen.