Whoever receives one such child in my name receives me
Matthew 18:5
We've been thinking about adoption for a few years now, for a variety of reasons. First and foremost, there are kids out there who need a family. And we have a family that -- all praise, glory, and honor to God alone -- is a pretty good family. We could probably add at least two more kids into our mix without too much external adjustment (keep the same house, keep the same jobs, keep the cat, maybe a slightly larger minivan, etc.).
Second, my wife would like to have a girl (or two). Now, at first glance this seems to be a shallow want. But if you look at it, this family has a lot to offer. A girl in today's world could do a lot worse than to have a new dress every month (week? day?), be read to from the Anne of Green Gables canon every night, watch Sleeping Beauty, and have 4 karate trained brothers to protect her and her reputation.
Third and finally, we like having a big family. We have 4 kids now, and, due to a hasty and somewhat foolish medical procedure shortly after our 4th son's birth (vasectomy in haste, repent at leisure, as I always say), we are now unable to add to our family in the most commonly accepted interpretation of "go forth and increase." So that leaves adoption.
Although, to be honest, I'm not sure that we wouldn't adopt anyway. I'm a big believer in giving: the idea of handing back to God whatever it is that he has given you. He's given me this great and wonderful family, and I haven't been able to figure out how to give it back. And so, I'll offer it up as a living sacrifice instead. He'll send us someone who needs us, and who we need.
And we'll receive that child (or children) in His name, just like He said.
3 comments:
So did having your niece prompt even more the want for a girl? :)
Heh, no. It did help me realize what everyone else has told me time and time again: that I could probably handle it.
I am very, very used to boys, and the prospect of a change that big (girls and boys are different, ok?) had me a little worried. Now I know better.
Please don't interpret this as "I always knew you loved her best!", but I've always wantd 4boyMom to have a girl(s). It's just that, how can I say this, girls talk. They tell you what's going on in their lives, and everyone else's life! If ever you need information, just get on the phone to your daughter. Girls also bring out the "soft" in their Dads. So much fun to rough house with the boys, and I don't mind admitting that I am pretty good at that myself. But the Lord knew what he was doing when he made us genders different. I'm sure this family addition will add a dimension to your lives to compliment what you already have. "For I bow my knee before the Father, in whom every family in heaven and on earth derives it's name." (Eph 3:14)
Post a Comment