Has any one else been under the impression that we were one day going to be over populated? Well I was, that’s for sure. And to be honest my eyes have been opened this week. We have been discussing and viewing professional studies on demographics around the world. Around the time of the baby boomers, the generation born just after World War II, predictions were made that the world was going to over populate and that we would eventually come to the point of not having enough resources to take care of that many people. Well we learned a few things. So when we talk about birth rate that refers to the number of births per thousand people in a population in a year. When I talk about fertility rate, that refers to the average number of children born over the lifetime of the average woman. While yes, there was an increase in the birth rate during the baby boom, there was as well advancements in the medical field to keep the elderly alive longer. As time went on, the world and its views changed. Dramatically. And especially on the family. The standard of the “traditional family” diminished. Ultimately the fertility rate decreased and is continuing to decrease. Right now, the baby boomers are the elderly people. And there are fewer young people to care and work for in order to provide for the elderly. If the fertility rate stays above, 2.13 the population is replaced. However, if it goes below 2.13, population decreases. The United States is currently the only country still above, and just barely, 2.13 as the replacement rate. The value and importance of the family has drastically changed. Many think that just having one child is too much. Or that it is too much of a hassle. I personally come from a rather large family. I am one of eleven. I am not telling you that each person needs to have 12 children. But, I do believe and know that the family is the most important unit of society. Bringing to this earth, more children is part of the eternal plan, of God the Father. We have a responsibility to nuture and raise children. A spiritual privilege, calling, responsibility and blessing. Having children is vital. And as it is a personal and marital decision, I invite all to ponder on the importance of family, and what that means to you. What happiness has your family brought you? Or what changes can you make so that your posterity has a brighter future? I know that the family is ordained of God. I know it. And I love my family!