Children are Expensive

$200,000! That is what the projected cost of raising a child born in 2007 would be when that child reaches the age of 18. This is based on the "typical" middle income family. That number seems a bit low to me, but let's assume that it is correct. What could you do with an extra 200 grand? Imagine the possibilities: a new house, a traveling adventure, a better retirement. If you have multiple children then- imagine.

The truth, however, is that we as parents are making an investment. An investment in the future. Not only are we investing in the possibility of being grandparents, but really we are investing in the future of our world. Imagine the possibilities: what if your child is the one who grows up to find the cure for cancer? what if your child becomes president of the United States? what if your child is the school teacher who changes in a positive direction the lives of hundreds of children? what if yours is the child who saves lives of those in a burning building? what if yours is the child who finds a way to thwart starvation in our world? what if your child is the one who starts a non-profit that changes the future for millions of people? what if your child grows up, gets married, and is a great spouse and parent and impacts those in their nuclear family?what if your child takes the greatest news in the world, that Jesus loves them, to a place that has never heard before?

I guess $200,000 is a small price to pay for changing the world.

I also hope they remember this investment when they pick my nursing home.