National Adoption Day!

Today, November 20th, is National Adoption Day. Two weeks ago, I had no idea that such a day existed. However, now that we have taken the "adoption route," this day has great significance for us. In fact, adoption has changed the way we think about our journey (to extend our family) and life in general.

Prior to choosing adoption, the focus was on the physical-things we could see. When you're trying to get pregnant, it's all about physical signs of ovulating, charting, and eventually the dreaded pregnancy test. When it comes to the adoption process, it's all about what is going on behind the scenes. For example, a prospective mom could call our adoption facilitator and be matched to us-any day! Billy and I talk often about how many times in a day we think about receiving that coveted phone call with news that we've been matched....probably at least 7-10 times a day and certainly everytime the phone rings! The adoption process is stretching our faith like no other situation we have experienced. We constantly remind ourselves that God is moving people and situations behind the scenes, and He has our best interest at heart. Despite that excitement and anxiousness, we do have peace.

Another perspective that has changed is our understanding of one's acceptance into God's family. Throughout my Christian walk, I have been aware that once one accepts Christ, one becomes a son or daughter of God. However, I never thought of comparing it to adoption. In fact, when we become a child of God, we become joint heirs with Christ! Romans 8:14 states, "For as many are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God. For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of ADOPTION by whom we cry out, 'Abba, Father.' The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs-heirs of God and joint heirs of Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together." Adoption is a process that God initiated with mankind, and it should not be considered second best.

On this National Adoption Day, maybe you have never experienced the process in an earthly sense. However, if you are a believer in Christ, you have experienced it in a heavenly/spiritual sense. May all of us take time to reflect upon the gift of salvation and the adoption process today!