Casandra Martin

Adoption is a special word. It frames a heart that longs for relationship and is willing to go the extra mile to bring someone close to their heart. A willingness to share life, bestow love, deepen connection, and unveil a mystery are all wrapped up in that single word.

We got just a little taste of the joy and wonder of adoption as we stood in line at the animal shelter. We looked at dog after dog, each needing love, some TLC, and a home. Big puppy dog eyes met us at each turn. Each little face just wanting to be wanted.

We finally picked out a sweet dog and began filling out the paper work to take him home and make him a part of our family. There were questions to answer, information to gather, and commitments to make. My husband and I were interviewed to see if we were qualified to be good pet parents. The face to watch, however, was my son’s. As soon as we had settled on our pup, my son never left his side. He planted himself by the kennel, leash and collar in hand, and waited. He talked to his new friend, reassuring him that life would soon be different. He anxiously watched us for a sign that the dog now belonged completely to us. He opened his heart and let Jack in. The shelter workers were amused. I saw God in my son’s face.

“For He chose us in Him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in His sight. In love He predestined us to be adopted as His sons through Jesus Christ, in accordance with His pleasure and will…” – Ephesians 1:4-5

God adopts us. He walks through the suffering, tragedy, and scars of this world and declares that He wants us all. He paid the price, worked through all that was required, and claims us as His own. He opens His heart and commits Himself to giving us a home and a place to belong. He plants Himself by our sides, reminding us each day that life is different because we are a part of His family.

My Jesus Resolution today is to rejoice in my adoption. I don’t belong to this world. I belong to Jesus. I am a part of His family – loved, cherished, cared for, and valued. He welcomes me in and opens His heart to me. Just like Jack, there is some training and discipline to be had in order to best learn how to live in this new home. Today I am going to look in the mirror and let Him remind me how much I am wanted. He adopted me, and that is reason enough to rejoice today.