How to Adopt Without Ruining Your Family
Day 12: Don’t Miss the Blessing!
Confession: I am not a person who just loves to be a mom. Between you and me, I’m not even sure I like children. If God can take this task-oriented force-of-reckoning steam roller and transformer her into a mother of eight without ruining the family, He can most definitely part the waters and form the stars. I was so far from becoming a parent, my parents had conceded they would never be grandparents. And when we first discussed possibly starting a family, I hyperventilated to nearly passing out at the possibility.
You can do this.
You who fear the LORD, trust in the LORD! He is their help and their shield. Psalm 115:11
I have spent the last days offering, for what it’s worth, what I have to offer in terms of biblically sound advice. Yes. It’s difficult. Yes. There is uncertainty.
“I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” John 16:33
But please don’t miss the forest for the trees here.
There is blessing in obedience.
Tremendous blessing!
These are the most amazing kids, and I love them completely. Collectively they bring beauty, wit, sensitivity, and strength to our family. Yes, it’s a little crazy. We’ve had to make some life-altering adjustments. Cooking for ten each day doesn’t happen haphazardly or cheaply. Everything just costs more. And for heaven’s sakes, I drive a twelve-passenger transit van. (I’m super cool, especially on Date Night!)
Of course people are rude at Wal-Mart and big city restaurants. We have come to expect such behaviors from society. No one invites us over for dinner. Vacations cost a fortune; and God only knows how we will pay for college, weddings, and cars. But we have never laughed so much. No other situations have brought me such joy in the midst of aches and pains.
And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28
How boring my life would have been without all these experiences!
When God calls you and me to certain tasks that seem beyond the limits—beyond resources, our education, our wildest dreams, even beyond our natural personalities—He always provides what is needed to walk in obedience.
But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. James 1:22
If there is one last word I could leave with you, it is this:
There is an overwhelming amount of blessing—too great to miss.
Don’t miss the blessing of adoption.
May the LORD give you increase, you and your children! May you be blessed by the LORD, who made heaven and earth! Psalms 115:14-15
Cheri
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