Two years ago today, we quit living “for a while“.
On January 13th, 2017, we began our forever. And there was a perfect peace.
My mom asked me recently how I thought the kids felt about celebrating “adoption day.” I said, “There will be sugar. They are in.” But honestly, I still wondered. How do they feel. Do they “get it”? Do they feel loved. Do they know how hard we fought for it to be different, first.
I was so thankful, as we walked through today, talking about how we got here, to have evidence that they showed up for the party for more reasons than soda and ice-cream. Last year felt a little forced, this year conversation flowed easily through what it means to be family, how thankful we are for ours and also the family that was left behind. We watched the video of the adoption for the first time. We talked about what they felt. We bowled, laughted, ate all the junk, watched a movie. were together. We celebrated. A bit more than last year, it felt good and right.
Nearly as soon as he woke up, one kiddo said “Today really isn’t about just 3 of us getting ‘dopted. It’s really about our whole family. “
And from across the room another (bonus kid) chimes in “also it’s really about God and how He helped us have a way.”
Uh. Yes. That.
We call this day our “Ebenezer” because today we remember how God carried us to that day. Through that day. And from that day. Even looking back over the last year we can see over and over again how He has carried us. We can see redemption unfolding.
The last two years have been hard. But not impossible. They’ve been full of adventure and joy and laughter. And also arguing and frustration and tears and misunderstanding. But always hope.
We continue to pray that we will steward our story well. We want to share so that more can see light prevailing out of a darkness that should have won. Where there was destruction, there is now rebuilding. Even in our mess, we want you to see a glimpse of what it means to be redeemed.
Words of this song, “My Story*” so well say what we hope you know:
If I told you my story
You would hear hope that wouldn’t let go
If I told you my story
You would hear love that never gave up
If I told you my story
You would hear life but it wasn’t mine
If I should speak then let it be
Of the grace that is greater than all my sin
Of when justice was served and where mercy wins
Of the kindness of Jesus that draws me in
To tell you my story is to tell of Him
If I told you my story
You would hear victory over the enemy
And if told you my story
You would hear freedom that was won for me
And if I told you my story
You would hear life overcome the grave
If I should speak then let it be
Of the grace that is greater than all my sin
Of when justice was served and where mercy wins
Of the kindness of Jesus that draws me in
Oh to tell you my story is to tell of Him
This is my story this is my song
Praising my Savior all the day long
Thank you for singing with us for so many years!
Thank you for hoping with us all along the way!
We stand amazed,
ABL
for the FOREVER Team Lewis 9
These are some of my favorite family moments from 2018. From the prayers the night we decided to “go” to traditions like cow appreciation day and valentines day, to family adventures- in each of these pictures I see a moment in which we were becoming more and more what God asked us to be.
*Publishing: © 2015 Word Music, LLC, Weave Country (ASCAP) / Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Open Hands Music (SESAC) Writers: Mike Weaver / Jason Ingram
