TWICE ADOPTED

For as many as are led by the
Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.
For ye have not received the spirit
of bondage again to fear; but
ye have received the Spirit of
adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.
Romans 8:14,15

November is National Adoption Month and it's interesting that our Jennie's birthday falls in this month because by law she is adopted but by the love of her mom and dad, it was only a procedure that made her ours officially. We had her in our care for two months when we had to make a visit to an adoption court in a nearby city. When arriving, we found the court room to be quite different from most. It was a cheerful and non-threatening court room. The judge looked very much like a sweet grandfather in his black robe. To our right was a huge wall of glass. Through that glass wall we saw a huge children's room. There were cribs, play pens, changing tables, toy boxes, small tables and chairs along with an array of rocking chairs. Children of all ages could be seen with their soon to be forever parents.

Our adoption would not be made final that day but we had to be there in order to get legal custody of Jennie for our lawyer to get all of our legal necessities going. We joined those folks until our name was called. We went through the glass doors and stood before the judge's bench. He was very kind, asked the circumstances of Jennie coming into our lives and paying close attention to her where she was cuddled up, face in my neck, sound asleep.

He admonished us regarding Jennie's rights as an adopted child. She was to have every kind of care any child would be given. We were to see to her education and rearing to be a good citizen. He also added that she had the same rights to an inheritance as any other child would have in a family. We agreed to all she would need from us.

The judge then turned his attention to Jennie who was still sleeping in her pretty new yellow dress a friend had purchased for that special day. The judge suddenly said, “Jennie, do you want to go home and live with these folks who have promised to be your parents.” It was funny because just at that moment, she let out one of those baby sighs that he could clearly hear. He smiled and said, “That's good enough for me, Jennie” and he signed the custody papers on the spot.

From that day, Jennie has been our girl. I don't think we ever made a big deal about her being adopted. It was just a free subject with no mystery. The same was true when our other two came along. Adoption was no big deal except for us, her parents. She was one of the prettiest little girls ever. A modeling agency wanted her under contract but we said no because that just wasn't the direction we wanted for her. She's always had a tender heart and yes, she's had her challenges off and on but most kids do, but she has a heart as big as she is and would do anything for anyone.

Adoption isn't for sissy's as anyone who has been through the process can know. Someone asked me what was the hardest pregnancy I went through. I quickly said that it was with our first. That was puzzling to the questioner but we who have walked the road know what all is involved. We wouldn't turn back, but the labor is a totally different experience.

It dawned on me a few days ago that Jennie is the only one in our immediate family who will know what it is to be adopted twice. The above verses should give a hint as to what I mean by that. All three of our children said “Dad” before they said, “Mom.” I understand for a very little one that Dad is easier to say but that's the way it was. When Jennie first said “Dad”, the say will come when she will also say, “Abba” referring to her Heavenly “Papa.” In both instances, she has that privilege because of being adopted...twice.

We live in a world where there are too many to count who don't know Jesus as Savior, who at this point will not know anything about their spiritual adoption until they accept Jesus' offer of that priceless gift of salvation. When they do, their adoption process is well on the way to be completed when they one day meet in person, their Heavenly Father...their Abba Pappa. What a wonderful day that will be for us all who are already His children...by Adoption because of Jesus' gift of salvation.

What do your spiritual adoption papers look like? Are they signed, sealed and delivered with the stamp of the Holy Spirit on them? Without the Spirits stamp on our lives, our adoption is far from valid.

Thank You Father for Jesus who through Him provided this gift of salvation I enjoy and couldn't do without. I'm grateful You have adopted me and that we have a bond no one of this world can know other than those who like me have become your children. In Jesus precious name....Amen