Family Is What You Make It

God decided in advance to adopt us into his own family by bringing us to himself through Jesus Christ. This is what he wanted to do, and it gave him great pleasure.

My husband Kyle and I adopted three of our five kids from foster care. Before their adoptions, we’d had contact with all three of their families to varying degrees. When parental rights were terminated and we began the adoption process, we had a choice: we could open our lives and hearts to the families or we could cut them out, leaving it to our kids to decide as adults whether to pursue those relationships.

As we prayed about what would be best for our children, our answer became obvious: we wanted to keep the connection between them and their biological families. We developed and encouraged relationships with siblings, aunts, uncles, cousins, and grandparents with that in mind. And as much as we’ve been able (and considering what would be healthy for our kids), we’ve not only allowed these relatives to create connections but have also invited them into our family.

Because of this, we’ve celebrated birthdays and holidays with them and even taken trips together. Some of the younger relatives now call my husband and me uncle and auntie. And I couldn’t be happier about it. As I sat down to look for a cabin to rent this next year, big enough to fit part of my daughter’s biological family and us for a week, I was struck by the fact that of the people I call family, more of them are not blood-related than are. And I’m grateful for this reality.

Adoption is God’s idea. And you don’t have to formally adopt someone to invite them into your family. When we bring others in who are lonely and in need of community, we emulate what God did through Jesus. He adopted us, but he didn’t do it grudgingly or out of duty. Scripture is clear; it gave God great pleasure to welcome us into his family. And as his followers, let’s choose to do the same.

Kendra

Today’s Act of Gratitude

Who do you know that needs some support? How could you invite them into your family, whether for a meal, an activity, or coffee?