Stepping Out

So possibly a much overused clip to illustrate what we feel when we step out in faith to trust in something for which we have no guarentees.  But what I think makes my life oh so different from this clip is that instead of visible danger looming behind me, there is a large, soft, comfy-cozy couch with a warm blanket I can wrap myself in and pretend that the longer I stay there, the better off I will be.  But in moments of vision, I see more clearly that true comfort is found in the hands of God.  It's living life in faith no matter the risk, not to be ridiculous, but because life is short and God is real.

ADOPTION!!

So here's the ongoing dialog in my head:

Are you kidding?  You're sure about this God?  I mean really, I'm pretty sure my 2 crazy boys fill my life with plenty of challenges and reasons to cry out to You for help.  Yes, I know you're building character, but haven't You already given me obstacles to overcome with faith?  Can't we move on to the happy hope part?  Yes, it is pretty great to have a husband who had this idea in the first place and who wants to serve You through serving others.   Oh, and you're right I have read scripture that refers to how pure religion is to visit the widows and orphans.  But can't I just go visit?  How about a mission trip or something a wee bit less invasive?  Maybe something that won't change my WHOLE ENTIRE WORLD FOREVER?  ... silence...  

Oh.  Oh.  Okay.  Yes God.  Maybe you are right.  But what about the risks?  Haven't you heard the horror stories?  I'm pretty sure I couldn't handle all of that.  I know people do this all of the time, but those are the super hero families.  Those are the people who raise 8 kids, run a business in their home, home school and make cool crafts too.  I'm just not sure I'm cut out for this.

John 15:16 

"You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit"

Psalm 12:5

"Because of the devastation of the afflicted, because of the groaning of the needy,

         Now I will arise," says the LORD; "I will set him in the safety for which he longs"

And I guess this means you want us to be your hands and feet to share your love through our completely messed up selves?  WOW!  So, okay.  I do have an extra room in the house and I'm thinking that one more little kiddo could actually be a pretty cool thing.  And wow God, you have begun to open my eyes to the poor.  When kids across the globe are suffering because of lack of resources that I have, the part of You in me does long to be used.   I am getting old though ya know...but yes, okay I get it.  Control is an illusion.  I can not predict the wellfare of myself, Jon or my biological children.  Who am I to think the risk of "horror stories" in adopted children couldn't happen in my own?  Yes, control.  That is Yours God.  At least for the moment.  I mean I know you always have it, but at least for this moment I'll remember that You do and I don't.  Yes, God.  You are right.  This call is not a burden.  Your burden is light and You are good.  This call is a blessing and ultimately a delight.  Thank you sweet Father for entrusting this adventure to little ol' us.  Help us Father to glorify Your name through it.

There you have it.  Jon and I have decided to adopt.  We are scared spitless and tickled pink.  It's possilbly the most foolish thing we've ever considered or the most wise depending on how you look at it.  

I Cor 1:20

"So where does this leave the philosophers, the scholars, and the world's brilliant debaters? God has made the wisdom of this world look foolish."

The idea was birthed a long time ago and now we can hardly believe that little theoretical moment is on it's way to becoming reality.  As of this week we are consumed with the whirlwind of paperwork required to prove ourselves "worthy" to adopt.  Assuming we are approved, we will begin the next phase of adoption which involves a whole lot of WAITING, WAITING, and more WAITING.

I hope to keep you up to date on the journey we've stepped into by faith through this blog.  It feels scary and safe all at the same time.  I think we are like Indiana Jones after that initial step where he almost can't believe how secure the ground beneath him really is.  The road is sure and yet full of unbelievable risk at every side.  But He is our rock.


Join us in the journey!  We'd be thrilled to have you walk along side of us in faith.


By the way, you need to read this post:  http://nattibeth.blogspot.com/