Nine stones

Our newest family photo. As I count the heads, I'm amazed at where I am today.  I never could have imagined this life.  The person who loved order and tidiness has had her world rearranged by the God of the universe.  There is nothing tidy about adoption.  It is a messy process, because it deals with the displaced, the discarded and the destitute.  I was one of those.  Adoption is a good destruction in that it breaks hard, self-contained hearts to expand our very definition of love. 

Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children; and walk in love, just as Christ also loved you and gave Himself up for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God as a fragrant aroma.…

Ephesians 5:1-2

Adoption is a good ugly in that it strewns emotions all over the floor.  Adoption gathers the emptiness of our efforts and takes them to Christ, the perfect lover.  Yes, adoption will first empty you of everything you once were so that you can be that imitator of God.

When Ben asked if I wanted to go on an errand with him after work, I did not expect he was heading to a jewelry store.  He surprised me with a nine stone diamond ring.  It was strange to count the stones and realize that my family is now nine.  It was even more amazing to think that before the diamonds were mined, God had in his mind this brilliant display for his glory. 

Now when I look at my finger, I will be reminded of the crazy, undeserved love my husband has for me but that adoption is like a ring encircled with precious jewels.  And even I know that the best sparkles are cast with the cutting away of sides.