Father Abraham Had 7 Children

If you know this children's song, share this few minutes with me singing:

Father Abraham had seven children

Seven children had Father Abraham

One of them was tall

All the rest were small

But none of them were right

Raise your right... Raise your left...

It's not that I am going to do a song analysis on this one. It is not that I am nostalgic about my childhood days either. This children's song suddenly came up to mind when I was processing the story of one of my colleagues. For the sake of consistency, I will name him, Mr. Abraham.

Just a few hours ago, Mr. Abraham, another colleague and I were on the  company truck. Our weekend field work had just ended and we were heading back home. It was a long day and we were all very tired. Mr. A was driving. To help keep himself awake, he shared bits and pieces of his life. We listened. It's not a new thing for Mr. A because he really loves to talk ~ a lot.

As provided by the children's song, true enough, our very own Mr. Abraham had seven children:

In our grandparents' generation specially in rural areas, having many children was normal, pretty normal. I knew families who had 9-13 children. But when we talk about today, we all know that having seven children in the city is just ~ way too much.

Mr. Abraham's children range from 18 years old as eldest and 4 years old, youngest. As each family has its own dynamics, theirs is kind of unusual.

One recently moved out.
One is deaf.
One has cerebral palsy.
One is athletic.
One is smart.
One is street smart.
One is still too young for school.

Mr. A and his wife has a big responsibility placed upon their shoulders. They have 7 children with different personalities to deal with, 7 mouths to feed, bodies to clothe, and precious little lives to love and protect. Mr. A said that they are careful not to regard one above the others, that they won't feel one is favored while the others are less loved. As many as they are, they still make time to talk to each one personally.

Covering and providing for the needs of the family is a great challenge for Mr. A. There are times it's really hard to make both ends meet. As hard as it is, still they see the grace and providence of God. They see their children as blessings and gifts. In Mr. A's eyes, fulfilling the role as the head of the family is a service done for the Lord. Not for men, not for neighbors or relatives, but for the Lord.

It makes me smile hearing good and positive words from Mr. A. What a humble, spirited, God-fearing man we got here! His family life is no joke. There may be times he had been at the end of the ropes. But see, we were the one blessed hearing Mr. A's stories along the way. No complains, no rants, no regrets. No wonder he has been blessed a 'lot'.

To Mr. Abraham who had seven children, we salute you!

Psalm 127:4-5

New International Version (NIV)

Like arrows in the hands of a warrior 

are children born in one’s youth. 

Blessed is the man 

whose quiver is full of them.

They will not be put to shame 

when they contend with their opponents in court.

Psalm 37:25-26

New International Version (NIV)

I was young and now I am old,
    yet I have never seen the righteous forsaken
    or their children begging bread.

They are always generous and lend freely;
    their children will be a blessing.

Song reference: kalisch13.tripod.com/lyric_act.htm
Image credits: crcschool.scoilnet.ie & annieink.com