The very existence of a joyful mother of nine children seems to confound people.
When the words The Joy Of Mothering popped into my head as a title for my short stories it was like an epiphany for me because those few words verbalized my experience living with little people. The very existence of a joyful mother of nine children seems to confound people. However, it has been far from easy, rather it has been a long journey through confusion, guilt and public condemnation to reach the point where I can now shout loudly,
“This is my call, this is my vocation, this is my witness to the world.”
After the birth of our fourth child, Michael and I struggled to understand exactly how we were meant to live our lives. We were discussing an article by an author whose main premise was that letting go of control and trusting in God was not some abstract principle but a day-to-day practical call that included the surrender of our fertility. Of course we practised natural family planning but I was one of those rare people who could conceive long before ovulation.
As my doctor said once, “Ah, I remember reading about a woman in New Zealand, two years ago, who conceived five days before ovulation.”
I raised my hand and chirped, “Well, you can add me to that list!”
Although we could not imagine how large our family would become, the words of that article resonated within both my husband and I. Guilt lifted off us and a surge of excitement, a sense of purpose welled up from within. Although it took time to really believe that none of our children were simply a failure of the natural family planning method. Many small experiences kept reinforcing the truth the for us that God called each of our children into being with our co-operation. We’d stumbled blindly at times and then a burst of clarity would shine light on our purpose.
For example, twenty-five years ago, I once again slipped into panic mode, worrying if I was pregnant with my fifth child. Suddenly a wave of peace enveloped me and my whole body relaxed.
I heard these words within me,
“This is your call. This is your vocation. This is your witness to the world.”
All sorts of objections rushed into my head,
” What on earth do you mean a witness, a witness to what?- stupidityy? People don’t understand. They just think we are irresponsible or idiots……”
Then unexpected joy bubbled within me and I sensed these words in my spirit, “I am with you.”
Once again a blanket of peace wrapped like a blanket around me. It was an actual physical sensation and I was at peace, my mind calm and my spirit felt strong.
That was it for me; I understood and I said “yes”.
Though I still cringed under disapproval from society, I always understood that my children were saving me by compelling me to dive deeper into my spirit. They challenged me to dig deeper, discovering the power of eternal Love at my very core. A love that can stand strong against all opposition.
Melanie Jean Juneau is a petite wife, writer and mother of nine children. When the words "The Joy of Mothering on a Hobby Farm" popped into her head as a subtitle for her short stories it was like an epiphany for her because those few words verbalized her experience living with little people. The very existence of a joyful mother of nine children seems to confound people. Her writing is humorous and heart warming; thoughtful and thought provoking with a strong currant of spirituality running through it. Part of her call and her witness is to write the truth about children, family, marriage and the sacredness of life, especially a life lived in God. My writing is humourous and heart warming/ thoughtful and thought provoking with a strong currant of spirituality running through it. Part of my call and my witness is to write the truth about children, family, marriage and the sacredness of life, especially a life lived in God
Wonderful family for a reason!
I soak in your loving support
Beautiful! It reminds me of a time on my twenties when I was unsure about whether I even wanted to have kids. My uncle told me that its people like me and my husband that should have kids to make our world better. I think its people like you who embrace motherhood as a vocation, love them and raise them in goodness are a gift to all of us. So, I thank you for your choice!
wow, you get my call!!!
I enjoyed growing up in my big Catholic family. Wouldn’t have wanted it any other way.
that is encouraging as I look at my kids
I love the idea of a large family – I had two sons who were born prematurely — they are healthy as horses and in their twenties now, but I had no way of knowing that when we decided to stop at two – forget what the outside world says – though it already sounds like you do – your inner compass is guiding you
It just took awhile to hear my inner compass!! lots of turmoil before that
I’ll bet — love the pic of your lovely family
large families need to speak up more often
Love your blog I have nominated you for a Very Inspiring Blogger Award
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My sister-in-law came from a family of 15. I was instantly adopted into the brood. it was so much fun having all those new aunts, uncles, and cousins. Good times. “All that matters is that you live the life that is right for you.”
ahh, thank-you so much….it is an odd life but you are correct, “All that matters is that you live the life that is right for you.”
My dad came from a family of thirteen kids,my mom only two.Guess which family we liked to be with the most growing up?My cousins were like brothers and sisters to me.
my husband comes from 10 and I have one sister- guess where we liked to go?? Out to michael’s parents’ farm. Actually who else would even think of inviting a huge family to dinner?
I think you have a lovely and very blessed family and it shows.
what a nice thing to say- I will try to let your words sink in
You and your husband trust in God’s Will. Reminds me of a certain Jewish couple about 2000 years ago!
that is the kindest comment, even though had a lot more faith right from the start, I took a few years to get int the flow of the Spirit