When I was young, I lived in Lagos, Nigeria for 11 years. For those who don't know, Nigeria is a country in West Africa. My dad was assigned there to work for the government as a doctor. I am the eldest of 7 children. We had fun times there. But what I always remember was a hole--in-the-wall restaurant called Western House. They served the best egg and bacons and spaghetti. We would always go there either before my dad went to work or before we got home from school because we passed it on our way home. It was a date, a date we all remembered as a family. When my mom would ask, where do you want to eat! Everyone would say, "Western House!" It was something we all agreed about without question. My mom would ask, "What are you having there?" (Remember we are 7 children, we had to make that decision in the car, or else it would be chaotic in the restaurant) We had a to make this HARD DECISION everytime we went, whether it was BACON AND EGGS or SPAGHETTI. That was the only two orders that was worth getting, at least that's what we thought.

Today, as a father, I purposefully date my children. Sometimes individually and as a family. My youngest daugther Bettina, she's now 10 years old, her "Western House" is now called "McDonalds". And her 'bacon and eggs & spaghetti' is 'ice cream and french fries & spaghetti'. She always orders the same thing. Healthy food too. Today, I don't have to ask her out to date. She's the one asking me out. Sometimes I say no but often I say yes for several reasons: (1) I get to know her more, (2) they are going to be fond memories, (3) its an excellent time to bond and build relationship, (4)I always remember good ol' 'Western House'. (5) it puts a smile on my face (6) and I know she will be smiling too when she looks back someday! What's your "Western House"? Let me tell you, IT'S WORTH THE DATE!

(I couldn't find a picture of W.H. Restaurant so I placed McDonalds' instead)

from Pastor Jay Duque's My Family Matters blog

Whenever I see my 3 grown up sons, namely: hair-full, hairless and hair fixed, I am grateful that God interrupted my life.
I had absolutely no intention of staying home and making motherhood my full-time career. As a 27 year old wife and mother of 3, I was running my own design agency, supervising art work, doing copy, directing photo shoots at the same time taking care of sons ages 4 months old, 2 and 3. All my siblings worked outside the home for a considerable length of time and so did my own mom. And they seemed to juggle both worlds successfully. As far as I was concerned, there was no question that would be the path my life would take. I loved and enjoyed my family, my work and my own pay!

But in 1987, I knew God was leading me to unchartered territory. He wanted me to walk on water. For me "my walking on water" meant giving Him my well-made plans and trusting His career plan for my life. For me it specifically meant taking care of my family as a full-time mom at home. No one told me to do it. Not Joey. Not any spiritual leader. But every time God and I had our "talks" I just knew that's what He wanted me to do.

"God, you don't understand. I CAN do both you know." I reminded Him (in case He had forgotten) that He was the one who gave me my talent and skills in the first place. Surely, He didn't expect me to devote all of it to 3 tiny leprechauns below 2 feet with limited vocabulary? Surely, my 'Mensa-ish' brain had more profound things to ponder in life than questions like "Why shouldn't I : a) bite my brother, b) eat my booger, c) suck my big toe or d) chew my eraser when it smells soo good?" My spiritual wrestling continued for days. Weeks. "Great timing God. I had just spoken to my own staff about commitment and now you want me to quit? I CAN"T quit! I'm the boss!!!" "Ehem! (God said quietly in my sanctified imagination), "In case you had forgotten, I'M the Boss."

Joey and I prayerfully discussed it but dropping the news to my family and friends was like dropping a bomb. It was bad enough that I was "born-again". In the late 80's, it was unheard of among my peers not to have a career. And here I was: young, able-bodied, needing the money yet giving up a profitable business of my own ! I looked like a certified cult candidate that needed to stay away from Jim Jones' kool-aid.

Even my dad, after watching me chase after my 3 wiggly sons (boys will be boys) for the nth time sighed and said "I didn't realize I raised you to go to UP to be a yaya." I calmly replied, "No. You raised me so I could raise godly children that would be a blessing to this nation." Then I went home and cried.

I was sad for the unpopularity of my choice, the isolation and lack of female contacts (save for Deborah and precious few) in this era before LGs, cell phones, texting, emails and multiply. But there was such a peace, a joy and sureness in my heart that I was in my perfect place. I loved my boys with a passion and the daily, shared and prolonged interactions with my sons, the sweetness of their faces, the serendipity of their comments,the divine opportunities to lead them closer to God, the spontaneous hugs of affection and little scribbled notes more than made up for my weary body, undereye circles, diminished glamour, reduced income and lack of bathroom privacy.

Was I a perfect mom? Not in a million years! But I do know that I obeyed God. Now 20 years later, they are all grown men. God had given me a gift and I had been wise to take it.

Sometimes women ask me, "Should I quit my work and stay home?" There is never one right answer for that question.. It is never about the place. It's about the attitude of our heart. God has a unique plan and timing for each of us. We all will have our own "walking on the water" experiences. The question rather, is "Lord, what is Your Perfect will for this season in my life?" If your heart is fully yielded to seeking that, He will answer you.

From Marie Bonifacio's Multiply blog