Yesterday was a fantastic day for our family; it was adoption day! Our oldest daughter and our amazing son in love officially adopted three brothers. A year ago, we didn’t even know these boys. And yet in a few short months, they have captured our entire family’s heart. I think of all of the lives that are forever changed because of the adoption. Certainly the boy’s lives, our daughter and son-in-love, Dude & Sassy (our grandparent’s names) the families both immediate and extended on both sides, Alex & Preston’s friends and community group, our friends and coworkers all around. But what about the lives that have been changed by seeing this example of love? From the first day that they started working with the Foster Care system, to the nurse that took care of one of the boys last week (who had aged out of foster care and Alex shared about being a CASA – an advocate for kids in foster care) to all of the social workers and different people that they have come in contact with over the past nine months.
Lives are changed by example
Eph 5:1-2, Therefore, be imitators of God, as dearly loved children. 2 And walk in love, as the Messiah also loved us and gave Himself for us, a sacrificial and fragrant offering to God.
Phil 3:17, Join in imitating me, brothers, and observe those who live according to the example you have in us.
As Christians, our example is Jesus Christ. We desire to strive to imitate him and point others to him. I have found in my life that I will do that more by how I live my life than by preaching at someone. I love this saying, “People don’t care what you know until they know you care.” We have opportunities every day to show this world that we care about People, we just have to pay attention and be observant. On our way out of town from the adoption yesterday, we stopped to get a quick bite to eat. While we were eating in the dining room, a homeless lady came in to get something to eat. As she started to walk out, I got up and paid for her lunch. Her faith was steady as she said, “That God always provides, which is why she loves him.” Wow! As you go about your day, be observant, where can you be an example of God’s love today?
The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (Eph 5:1-2). (Php 3:17) Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers.
And, again, I say amen.
I am grateful for your encouragement!
Enjoying the blog very much and what an awesome celebration. Your thoughts the other day on walking in our gifts to serve Christ was quite thought provoking also
— Gordon
Thank you Gordon! Appreciate your kind words.