His Transforming Grace

In all of our adoptions, this is the first time we've been at this stage of the process during the season of Lent, and I am finding that the timing is very appropriate.  The Living Liturgy says that "the heart of Lenten penance is the hard work of opening ourselves to God's transforming grace."

The adoption process, in ways, parallels a Lenten journey. 

It's in the preparing, it's in the seeking, and it's most definitely in the waiting...this arduous and painstaking "hard work" of waiting. When our patience is tried and worn thin. But even when patience is tested to the point where we can hardly stand it, His love and mercy are always unfailing, and His grace is, indeed, transforming. 

We can't celebrate the Glory of Easter, when Jesus rose for all our salvation, without first walking through the Stations of the Cross and Good Friday, contemplating just how immensely Jesus suffered and sacrificed to get us there. Fully digesting the fact that He gave His Life for ours. It makes me want to know Him more.

Like the Lenten journey, the walk of adoption ultimately strengthens my faith, and I am forced to lean on Him with complete trust and faith in His plan. That isn't always easy, but it's always right. I am sure that Joseph felt the same way when he miraculously became the foster father to Jesus.

And in a way, aren't we--as parents--giving our life over, too? As we hand over our complete trust in the Lord to reveal the child...who lives a million miles away in a foreign land, yet we will come to adore in our hearts without even touching their skin or ever hearing their voice? 

The very thought is joyfully overwhelming in a God way. 

Joy is defined as "the emotion of great delight or happiness caused by something exceptionally good or satisfying; keen pleasure; elation."  I think it's safe to say that the highs of joy in this process far exceed it's dictionary definition. Because this joy is God-given; This joy is of the Spirit; This joy is life-giving and redeeming. 

The fruits of the Spirit are found in every step of the way--the referral that we pray for, that next approval we await, the travel that we long to plan, all for the child whom we love.

In the journey, there is much agony, but the blessings in the end are always worth it.

Thank you, Jesus, thank you. Without you, we are nothing. 

I pray that you continue to open our hearts to your transforming grace.

Psalm 33:20-22

"Our soul waits for the Lord; he is our help and our shield. For our heart is glad in him, because we trust in his holy name. Let your steadfast love, O Lord, be upon us, 
even as we hope in you."