Does It Really Matter How Many Children I Have?

Below are some insights I have gained from this weeks class, on why how many children you have matters. The picture below is of all my siblings, including me. Although this picture was taken over two years ago, it's the latest one of us all together. I thought you'd like to see a picture of my siblings for the topic I will be talking about.

Social media and other sources in today's world are telling us that having children is "outdated". Why do they say that? Some think that the world will become overpopulated, and there won't be enough food to feed everyone. Yes, having children can be financially difficult, but  I believe that how many children you have does matter! Why do I believe this? The family is central to the Plan of Salvation; the Plan of Happiness, which was created for families. Growing up as a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, I was taught at a young age that the family is important.

Some of the advantages of growing up in a large family include the following from my experiences. I have learned to share with my older siblings, and their children. I've learned to sacrifice, so sometimes I have to go without certain things. I don't always get my way, so I've learned to respect and listen to other peoples views. Because I have a big family, I have many sources of feedback, which is very helpful. Honestly, the more the merrier I think haha!

I feel that knowing when to have children, and how many to have requires much thoughtful prayer with your spouse and Heavenly Father. Had it not been for the quiet whisperings of the spirit, I would not be in the family I am in today. After my parents had their sixth child (my older brother), they knew that they were not done having children. My parents were prayerful when having all their children. I will forever be grateful that my parents listened to the spirit, and choose to bring me into this world to gain a body and experience mortality. Because my parents chose to have me, it is going to affect their posterity in a positive way. Everyone's decisions on having children will affect their future posterity. Know that there are spirits in heaven waiting to be brought down to earth to gain a body.