If you saw me in 2015, I probably told you we were expecting. I probably took a long pause while your jaw dropped knowing that Rhonda and I are in our mid-50’s (Hey 50 is the new 30 and Rhonda still looks like a stunning 35 in my opinion). I went on to say we are expecting another great daughter-in-law. Well the wedding is over, the delivery complete; Haley joined our family on October 17.
I’m not a gambler, but I like to say that Rhonda and I won the daughter-in-law lottery. It’s hard to imagine two better daughter-in-laws then Sarah and Haley. Our sons love these beautiful ladies and we do too. We are so happy to adopt them into our family. The bar is high for our youngest son, but I know God has someone in picked out for him, even though he has not met her yet.
That is likely as close as Rhonda and I will get to adopting. I admire seeing people who have become adoptive parents. I’ve been thinking about adoption, because my friend Tina and her husband gave their testimony at church. No matter how crazy life gets they’ve said yes to children in need.
My sister adopted 3 sons and loved them unconditionally through the joys and pains of parenthood. I’m inspired by many people I know who have felt called to adopt children in need later in life. We’re not feeling that calling.
My friend and business partner Brad did not get married until his early 40’s. He and his wife tried for a number of years to become parents, but God chose not to bless them in that way. I know that this had to be painful for Brad and Stephanie. I so wanted him to know the joys of being a parent because I know what a joy being a dad has been in my life. Finally God gave them an opportunity. They adopted a little girl from a troubled situation. I’m sure Elsie has blessed Brad’s life beyond anything he could have possibly imagined. One just has to look at a picture of Brad with his daughter to know this is true. Given Elsie is a 3 year old with near limitless energy, and Brad is now in his early 50’s, I almost feel tired for him.
Elsie’s going to have a good life, and have a chance to do great things because Brad and Stephanie loved her enough to say yes. Brad changed Elsie’s life, but Elsie’s changed Brad’s more. When I asked Brad last Monday if I could share his story, this is what he shared with me:
“We have learned so much and obviously have been truly blessed. I will admit I had doubts of God’s plan for us but should have had faith that there was a reason and a better option in mind for us. This whole journey in adoption has redefined my journey in faith and has led to Stephanie and I along with Elsie becoming members of the same church as of just yesterday.”
Ephesians 1:5 His unchanging plan has always been to adopt us into his own family by sending Jesus Christ to die for us. And he has done this because he wanted to!
Brad is a friend and his story touches me. I hope it does you as well. Isn’t it a joy to know that God chose to adopt us? Doesn’t it make you happy to know that he did that for you, and it gives him great happiness too? The song lyrics in church today spoke to me.... "He's a good, good, father."