Josiah and I recently had the chance to sneak away from our kids for a vacation. We celebrated our tenth wedding anniversary in Punta Cana. We truly enjoyed the opportunity to be together and have uninterrupted time and uninterrupted conversation. One thing we talked about is how we both felt this time of rest was a gift, and it was something to be cherished and valued, because once we adopt we won't have that opportunity for a while. So even though we still wish we were in a different place with adoption, we thank God for what He is giving us and blessing us with right now. The waiting period is still filled with so much goodness, and we trust that God gave us rest for a reason.
"Sometimes what we see can be discouraging at best and defeating at worst.
But with Jesus in your story, there's always more than meets the eye...
A "no" answer can actually be the necessary step before the big "yes" comes.
A disappointment can actually be the last lap before a big appointment.
A tomb can actually be the necessary event so everyone can celebrate the resurrection.
Yes, let faith in Jesus fill the gab between here and there."
This reminded me that there is credit to be given to the Saturday of Holy Week. The day that all hope was lost and mourning was felt. In some ways we are in our own "Saturday" as we wait to adopt, but our faith keeps us going. We are trusting that God has a redemptive ending planned and we will celebrate it with all of you. It can feel uncomfortable to be in this stage, but it's an important part. It's also a chance for our faith to be authentic and real. Sure, we feel uncertain and frustrated at times, but we're fighting to keep our trust. I recently heard a Rend Collective band member say this, and it perfectly described how I feel about my community while we wait to adopt:
"To be on a journey as God's family
going through the highs and lows of life.
Suffering and laughing together, thats what I want.
Not some holy huddle where we all pretend everything is ok,
but a real community who believes in the God of miracles
but also in the God of the trials".
So we continue on. God is in control and baby Aberle #4 is out there. Praying for all of you as well.