Over the thousands of years, Father, oh the countless multitude who have sat where I am sitting – in Your presence, spending time with, learning from You, growing in Your, being loved by You. What a privilege!

Hebrews 2:11-13 (<<click here to read the passage)

So now Jesus and the ones he makes holy have the same Father. That is why Jesus is not ashamed to call them his brothers and sisters. For he said to God,
….“I will proclaim your name to my brothers and sisters.
……..I will praise you among your assembled people.”
He also said,
….“I will put my trust in him,”
……..that is, “I and the children God has given me.” NLT

It’s a little overwhelming, Lord, to think that because You have made me holy that I am now Your brother. I know that this is the case but it just seems so…so…intimate. I know, oh too well, who I am yet You embrace me as a cherished member of Your family.

I really don’t know a whole lot about the feelings that are associated with adoption. I know people who have been adopted but we’ve never really talked about it. I also know individuals who have adopted children and have heard some of how it has impacted their lives. As I sit here writing, it by no means does it justice but here’s a little of what I see.

Two families come to mind. In both instances, by no choice of their own, there were unable to have children and they wanted children so badly. The love they shared with their spouse they wanted desperately to share with someone else – and not just any someone but a special “someone’ who would call them Mommy and Daddy. There was a void in their lives and they wondered if it would ever be filled. God graciously enabled both of these couples to embrace beautiful additions to their families. It is truly a blessing to hear the stories they have to tell and to see pictures of their children as they continue to grow. It is obvious that the gifts they have received are not taken for granted. They are cherished, they are loved, and life could not be imagined without them.

Neither couple was coerced into bringing a child into their lives. They diligently prayed for the privilege of having a child and both were richly rewarded.

Father, it is difficult to comprehend all You went through to bring me into Your family. You sacrificed greatly so that I could be with You. Jesus, You gave up Your very life so that I could be made holy so that I could call You brother.

I guess what comes to mind when I think about these things are pictures of love, fulfillment, acceptance, gratitude, completeness, and things being as they should be. And though these are all my personal things – intimate things – they are not meant to be kept quiet. They are things that bring great joy and are meant to be celebrated!

(Feb 20th, 2016, Sat, 5:29 am)
Mar 3rd, 2023, Thurs, 7:08 pm