I love coming home from trips! There is something nice about being in my "own" space, and it is wonderful to hear "I missed you!" and to catch up on all that has been going on while I was away. This time was even more special because I got home just in time to attend the adoption of four great kiddos, by some family friends.
When I got to the courthouse I was greeted by "my kiddos" with a big group hug, and lots of I-missed-you-s . I have decided there is nothing quite as nice in the whole world as the love of a child freely given and exuberanty expressed! It made my day :)
As the hearing began I couldn't help but grin at the kids: Daniel sat on his daddy's lap contentedly sucking his thumb, the other two little guys were asking why this or that and squirming as little boys do; Maria, the oldest of this group, kept trying to look everywhere at once, not wanting to miss anything. These kids are obviously already part of this family, and are content.
After listening to the guardian and social worker's recomendation for adoption the judge asked the parents if they understood that they were not taking responsibility just until the children were eighteen, but were adding them to their family permanantly, making a life long commitment. Each of them agreed and the judge signed the papers, making this family "official". (I should add, they also have more children in this family)
We topped the day off with an adoption party, complete with lots of great friends, games of tag, ultimate frisbee, a water slide for the kids, and cotton candy. Over all it was a fantastic way to start my time back home.
This reminded me of two things: first, of my own adoption and the commitment that my parents have given to me and my sibilings. I was only four at my adoption, so I don't remember the official event, but I live everyday with the blessings that came from my parents choosing us. We came with many problems and lots of fears; they chose to take us on, problems and all, and make us their own; their commitment didn't end when we turned eighteen, it is an on-going choice that will effect every day of our lives, and the lives of countless others.
The second thing the adoption reminded me of, as many of you have already guessed, is our sprirtual adoption into God's family. This adoption, such a beautiful gift of love, is for much more than just this life; it is for all of eternity. We come with all of our problems and are made joint heirs with Christ, with the full privilages of a child of the King of Kings...
If only we would live as these children now live: confidant in our parent's love, subject to their authority while secure in their provision and care... If we would only rest in our father's arms as little Daniel did and come to Him readily with all of our questions, content, safe, confidant and secure as we readily lavish our love on Him. What a life would then be ours.
When I got to the courthouse I was greeted by "my kiddos" with a big group hug, and lots of I-missed-you-s . I have decided there is nothing quite as nice in the whole world as the love of a child freely given and exuberanty expressed! It made my day :)
As the hearing began I couldn't help but grin at the kids: Daniel sat on his daddy's lap contentedly sucking his thumb, the other two little guys were asking why this or that and squirming as little boys do; Maria, the oldest of this group, kept trying to look everywhere at once, not wanting to miss anything. These kids are obviously already part of this family, and are content.
After listening to the guardian and social worker's recomendation for adoption the judge asked the parents if they understood that they were not taking responsibility just until the children were eighteen, but were adding them to their family permanantly, making a life long commitment. Each of them agreed and the judge signed the papers, making this family "official". (I should add, they also have more children in this family)
We topped the day off with an adoption party, complete with lots of great friends, games of tag, ultimate frisbee, a water slide for the kids, and cotton candy. Over all it was a fantastic way to start my time back home.
This reminded me of two things: first, of my own adoption and the commitment that my parents have given to me and my sibilings. I was only four at my adoption, so I don't remember the official event, but I live everyday with the blessings that came from my parents choosing us. We came with many problems and lots of fears; they chose to take us on, problems and all, and make us their own; their commitment didn't end when we turned eighteen, it is an on-going choice that will effect every day of our lives, and the lives of countless others.
The second thing the adoption reminded me of, as many of you have already guessed, is our sprirtual adoption into God's family. This adoption, such a beautiful gift of love, is for much more than just this life; it is for all of eternity. We come with all of our problems and are made joint heirs with Christ, with the full privilages of a child of the King of Kings...
If only we would live as these children now live: confidant in our parent's love, subject to their authority while secure in their provision and care... If we would only rest in our father's arms as little Daniel did and come to Him readily with all of our questions, content, safe, confidant and secure as we readily lavish our love on Him. What a life would then be ours.
