National Adoption Awareness Month

It's wonderful to me that National Adoption Awareness Month also falls in the same month as Thanksgiving! I have much to be thankful for, and this year I'm especially thankful for my son, who made me a mama through the miracle of adoption.

I remember so clearly the night I knew in my heart that adoption was our path to parenthood. We were in the midst of painful infertility treatments, but there was no peace in it. Something was missing. While, Kevin and I had always been open to adoption, there always seemed to be a million hurdles in the way, or rather excuses for why it wasn't the perfect time in our lives. I remember the night we finally allowed all the excuses dissipate, and like a ton of bricks falling on me, God's grace fell on my heart. I sat and sobbed quietly in the dark, knowing that I had found relief from the pain that had been gnawing at my soul. Our biological hopes and dreams might be put on hold, but not the dream for a family.

Adoption is a miracle of God's grace. It is the chance to bring family to a child who needs family, love to someone who is hurting, and permanence to a life that needs stability. It is not stealing or buying or doing a humanitarian act. It simply is love. Adoption was not a cop out for us. It was not a last resort. It was not Plan B. It was God's plan. In fact, I'd do it all again a thousand times over, struggle with the pain and anger, the hurt and wondering because I KNOW that Titus was meant to be our son.

When we allow God to become part of our lives, when we get to the place where we accept that we need to change our lives to mirror Jesus, then we become adopted into God's family. Adoption into God's family is not about what we can do or what we've done, it's about WHO God is, and WHAT HE has done. He gave everything up just for you and me. He opens his arms wide to accept us for who we are, flaws and all.

Adoption is not a second rate way to become a family. It is a first rate way of experiencing true grace and love.

Thank you, Father for allowing us to see a glimpse of your heart through this beautiful miracle. We are blessed beyond measure!