As mother to 26 children–3 biological, 18 adopted, plus 5 new foster children we hope to adopt– I feel especially and particularly blessed. All I’ve ever wanted to do was to get married and have a house full of children. Not many people can say that they are living their life’s dream. With 13 grown and out of the house, and 13 still in the nest, I am truly blessed indeed!

When people look at what Billy and I have done with our lives, they say “sacrifice.” When we look at what God has done with our lives, we say “privilege!” Not everyone gets the privilege to watch Father take 26 “diamonds in the rough” and polish and sand them until they sparkle and shine. The amazing thing about diamonds is that their true value can’t be seen initially. No one looking at a lump of coal would ever guess what great value is being formed. Just like with an oyster, the exterior never gives a hint as to the valuable pearls hidden inside. We are truly blessed to have been called to steward these beautiful diamonds and pearls that God has entrusted into our care.

Lately, however, I’ve been overwhelmed with Father’s love for children in a way that I’ve never experienced before as He’s called us back into foster care for a very special sibling group of five little ones, ages 10, 9, 7, 2, and a newborn (now 3 months old). As I’ve loved and nurtured these little ones, there have been times that I’ve felt as if my heart would burst with love. My mothering heart has been so consumed with a burning passion of love that it has threatened to consume me at times. Any mother holding her precious child for the first time knows exactly what I mean. That’s the ecstasy of mothering!

Pouring out Father’s unconditional love on a little one is what mothering is all about. And I’m here to tell you that it doesn’t have to just be your little one. They are all God’s little ones. Like us, you could open your home and heart to an adoptive child–God’s Word commands us to care for the orphans (an orphan is a child without a mommy and daddy to care for them. ) Maybe you know a little Johnny or Susie across the street that needs your love and attention. Or maybe there’s a teenager in your church who could use a listening ear. Wherever God points out His “little one” to you in your life, that’s your opportunity to sacrifice by stepping into the privilege of mothering.

Yes, like me, there will be days where you feel as if there’s not enough of you to go around. Getting up five or six times at night with kids for various reasons, fighting the exhaustion and pity-party the next morning while trying to get eight of the children ready for doctors appointments at 10 o’clock is no picnic. Trying to type this article with a two-year-old in my lap cuddled on my shoulder isn’t such an easy task either. But the rewards far outweigh the sacrifices. When that same little two year old, comes running towards me to be scooped up in my arms, hugs my neck while planting a slobbery kiss on my cheek and says, “I love you, mama!” , the sacrifices are long forgotten! And when my ten year old daughter gives me this note. . .

Dear Mama, I love you and I just wanted to thank you for taking us in, wanting to take care of us and be our mama. And that you are always there for me when I need something, and I want to tell you how thankful I am to have you and daddy. And I pray that you get some sleep. Love forever, Your daughter

. . . Sacrifice? I don’t feel any sacrifice. All I feel is “privileged” and blessed!

(Editor’s Note: Happy Mother’s Day, Bonnie, and all Moms in Middle Georgia. To find out more about Bonnie’s mothering journey, go to www.refugeranch.com)