Adopted
I’ve learned more about adoption in the last 6 years than I’ve known my whole life. When my wife and I decided to be open to adoption of a young kid in Nicaragua over 6 years ago, we had no idea what the journey would look like. The adoption process is very detailed and every area of our lives was investigated before approval was given. Since our adoption was an international adoption, there was another whole layer to it. When all was said and done, we were successful in completing the process and we added to our family our son Lucas. He is such a smart kid, funny, fully of life and fun to be around. He is now a senior in High School and the Lord only knows the plans He has for this young man.
Adoption is not always easy. There have been hard moments on Luke and us as his parents, adjusting to one another. I believe that at times like that we have to show grace to one another, keep our eye on the big picture and move on. I also think it’s important to “lean into” the call of God.
Mordecai was the uncle of Esther, but he had taken her as his own daughter. She was entered into the contest to possibly become the next queen. Check this out…
7 Mordecai had a cousin named Hadassah, whom he had brought up because she had neither father nor mother. This young woman, who was also known as Esther, had a lovely figure and was beautiful. Mordecai had taken her as his own daughter when her father and mother died.
8 When the king’s order and edict had been proclaimed, many young women were brought to the citadel of Susa and put under the care of Hegai. Esther also was taken to the king’s palace and entrusted to Hegai, who had charge of the harem.
17 Now the king was attracted to Esther more than to any of the other women, and she won his favor and approval more than any of the other virgins. So he set a royal crown on her head and made her queen instead of Vashti. 18 And the king gave a great banquet, Esther’s banquet, for all his nobles and officials. He proclaimed a holiday throughout the provinces and distributed gifts with royal liberality. (Esther 2:7-8; 17-18 NIV)
This young adopted niece of Mordecai was chosen to be queen of Persia. She did not reveal her family Jewish heritage. She had overcome the death of her parents and adjusted to being adopted by her uncle.
I believe adoption is a real physical picture of being saved. I am “adopted” into God’s family and Jesus becomes my brother. When my wife became an instant Mom (stepmom) to my three oldest children 21 years ago, she loved them unselfishly and constantly. We had to learn some new ideas about parenting. Then when Luke came along 15 years later, we had more new things to learn about parenting. I love my family and the journey we’ve been on. The Lord is clearly orchestrating some special places for my kids to serve. I love the fact that Mordecai never made the success of his “daughter” about him. He encouraged her, advised her to help her become successful. As I read this incredible story, I can see the hand of God throughout. I want the favor of God and the hand of God upon my family as He continues to write our story. We set out to save one kid through adoption, but the process saved us and is still teaching us about the heart of God.
Pressing On!
Dwayne