The Magnificent Seven

 

What greater blessing to give thanks for at a family gathering than the family and the gathering. ~Robert Braul

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I am a father of seven, well, nine actually (lost two to miscarriage) but seven walking this planet. My small nation is comprised of five boys and two girls, ranging in age from 23 to 9…yes, that’s quite a range. For a dad, a large family poses various challenges to navigate.

Seven different cultures and languages to learn

Seven powerful personalities to discover

Seven characters to help mold and grow

Seven wonderful minds to help nurture

Seven souls to guard and protect

No wonder I’m tired

The juggling of seven distinct individuals into a unit that is for each other is quite a feat and one not for the fainthearted. My wife and I are daily dealing with the training of young children while coaching the decisions of our adult children…and guiding teenagers in between. It is a financial strain, a physical challenge, a spiritual wrestle and sometimes a nine ring (including parents) circus! It is all that and more…

It’s my family

It’s my blessing

The lives of my children are the seven best things that have ever happened to me. They have made me a better man and a better father than I ever dreamt I could be. Each one has stretched me, each son and daughter interaction has increased my heart and the love it contains. They have taught me about God, they have taught me about acceptance and they have brought me great joy.

I am the father of seven…and they are all magnificent!

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Comments

Gary said…
Absolutely terrific, pard.  Can I steal this change the seven to six and post it for Matt (crediting you, of course)
Jay Cookingham said…
Gary...of course my brother...you old post rustler you! ;-0
jasonS said…
I'm gaining on you, Jay! I can't really say that I'm aiming to catch you, but we'll see. :) You're so right. It's my family and my blessing--if I ever fail to see things that way, there is a problem with my eyes and I need a good washing. Thankfully, I know someone who takes good care of that department. Thanks Jay.
Jay Cookingham said…
Keep gaining bro'...sure would be nice if our families could meet some day! God is the faithful Father isn't He?
Barry Hill said…
Jay,
I have 6 kids and we lost one to miscarriage 4 years ago. One of these days we will have to compare notes! I love the picture by the way! Keep up the great work and I will continue to pray for you and your beautiful family!

Barry
Jay Cookingham said…
Barry, so sorry about your lost, I know it's a difficult thing to work through. It's been about 14 years for us...can't wait to meet them some day! Would love to compare notes someday too bro'...large families are a blast aren't they! Bless you and your family as well!
First time on your blog Jay Cookingham and it seems such a positive, happy place. Seven must be a lot of fun. My Dad is one of 15 siblings - they're spread around the world - but when they get together - it's crazy fun :)
Jay Cookingham said…
Appreciate you dropping by Corrine. A large family is huge fun and a huge challenge, but I love it. However, it is hard to image 15! Bless ya!
Floyd said…
Gotta respect a man that loves his family, especially when it's with actions that match his words. This world needs more of that. 

I have three, and I agree with you 100%. God has used my family to make me a better man than I could have ever imagined. I'm fascinated with the way God wired us in His image to love even more the things we sacrifice for. I wouldn't trade it for anything, certainly not my life...

Thanks for the encouraging words, and thanks for being the man God called you to be.
Jay Cookingham said…
Thanks Floyd, those are mighty kind words and I do appreciate them! Bless ya bro'
Joanne Norton said…
Filled with joy!!!  Loved the pic.  What's also funny?  How many young 'uns would realize what/when "Magnificent Seven" was?  The movie was back in '60... in fact, after watching that on TV at someone's house in Oct, '61 with my classmate/acquaintance Susie, we walked out talking and, within 1/2 hour  became best friends.  So we became a "Magnificent TWO" since it's been all those years [50+] of friendship.  [I checked it out on line and found out that this program was remade on TV back in '98, but I hadn't known that.]  No matter what, you definitely have "Magnificent Seven" and the reason?  THEY have a "Magnificent TWO" who love and discipline and care for them day by day, moment by moment.
Jay Cookingham said…
What a wonderful thought Joanne! I never thought of that of the 
Magnificent TWO angle...what a kind and beautiful expression...thank you for sharing that with me! BTW, my oldest (Josh) loves that movie!
JT said…
What a wonderful family.  God bless you and yours.
Jay Cookingham said…
Thanks John...I am a blessed man!
Sarah Cookingham said…
So glad I am part of our family...love you Daddy!
Jay Cookingham said…
And your part is such a wonderful part! I'm glad you're in there as well....love ya!

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