Today, I heard a lady who said that her friend’s story of adopting was her “Jesus Story.” Now, many who read this post will understand that – but others won’t. People who choose to make Jesus Christ the center of their lives often are watching for how that makes a difference – how they can see God’s hand at work in their lives. This lady apparently felt like the story of adoption she experienced was just such a story.
Once I got over the “awwwww” factor of how sweet it all sounded, I started asking if adoption was my “Jesus Story.” I think there’s more to it that a simple yes or no.
Over the last number of years, my life has been full of changes – from job changes to family losses to 2 adoptions and changes in location (twice). With all these changes, I wish I could say that there was indeed just one “Jesus Story” or way that God has drawn me closer to him. But, sadly, often in the course of a busy life, difficulties have pushed me away from God, and I’ve had to dig in and hold hard sometimes. Thankfully, that tight hold on my faith has made me a stronger believer in God and a weaker believer in self.
But, I can’t say that adoption hasn’t been a pivotal moment in my life. As a matter of fact, it has been one of the most pivotal elements in my life. It has meant more to me than just becoming a parent (nearly overnight) – it has meant opening my heart to a gift from God. When people can count on pregnancy progress (with some fear, of course), my wife and I were doing paperwork and wondering if it would happen at all. When people count on genes to have some influence in their child’s development, Emily and I have to rest on God’s genes at work in our children. Adoption (and generally being a new parent) has truly made us more dependent on God.
So, for the idea of a “Jesus Story” as it relates to adoption, let me just say this – Adoption is the most amazing opportunity anyone has to see God at work. A child that one day wasn’t yours is indeed yours the next day. Stereotypes and prejudices go out the window. And, without a bit of blood relationship, you really start to see how God himself has been weaving you into his family, even though you are not of his blood.
How amazing is that? Now, that’s a “Jesus Story” for sure!
