Adoption IS for wimps

I can't tell you how many times I've read "Adoption isn't for wimps".....or "Adoption isn't for sissies".  I'm going to argue that sentiment.  Not in a "those people don't know what they are talking about" or in an attempt to insult or offend anyone....but because I am a wimp.  Yup.  Total and complete sissy.  I will avoid pain at all costs.  Well, except for the one time I actually chose a drug free natural childbirth....but that is post for another day ;o).  But I do.  I avoid pain.  I avoid hurt.  I avoid confrontation.  I won't even watch chick flicks because I don't want to cry.  I have avoided sharing a lot of our adoption journey because honestly....my skin just isn't thick enough for anyone's criticism. 

But, here I am.  And I know it's exactly what God has called us to.  Why do I think adoption is for wimps and/or sissies like myself.....because God continually draws us closer to Him through this process.  God has shown me exactly who is in control and it certainly isn't me.  God doesn't choose the qualified, He qualifies the chosen. But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. 2 Corinthians 12:9

One of my biggest fears regarding adoption was hearing our child say "you aren't my REAL mother" or "I don't want to be part of this family".  I just didn't think my heart could handle that.  I laugh at those fears now.  Not because I've conquered those fears, but because I think God has a really interesting sense of humor.  A few weeks ago, Loralee was mad.  And I mean really mad.  She did something funny....well, it was funny to us....but apparently she wasn't trying to be funny and she was fuming mad at us.  She went into her room for a few minutes and came back out very serious.  She said "I have something to say and you need to listen because I won't be here very long".  We said "Ok Loralee, but where are you going?"  She said "well, I am leaving to find a new family and I won't be here long and you need to know that and my new family will know when I am not funny and when I am funny."  And she was serious.  For about 30 seconds until we scooped her up, loved on her, apologized that we didn't understand and told her how broken hearted we'd be if she left our family.  But after it all transpired, I was reminded of my fear.  I know those moments will come.  And I know I'll be ok.  Because I know my God will scoop me up and love me....just like we did for Loralee.

So, while I don't think adoption is for everyone, I definitely think it's for wimps.  There's a saying...."God never gives us more than we can handle".  But, I saw it written differently one time and I like it so much better.  It said "God never gives us more than He can handle".  Amen to that.

And since I am actually taking a moment to blog.....I will offer a quick update on where we are at.  I can't go into a lot of details online but there has been a delay in our case.  Nothing serious or bad....just a delay.  We did receive a small update that we might get news of our court date next week so we are praying without ceasing.  Our boys health is definitely improving after his recent illness which we praise God for.  We must be close to receive a court date though because the spiritual battles are in full force.  It's been a very difficult time in the Patterson household as we have had some crazy health issues around here so we covet your prayers.

Clinging to Him,
Dawn