God's Sleeve

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Its been another one of those seasons.  You know, the kind in which babies are on the brain, heart, and in the womb.  In the past two months more than 7 of our friends just had babies or announced they are pregnant.  It truly is a season of joy as God is authoring, shaping, and purposing the lives of little ones.  Just the other day we had another couple "spill the beans" that they are expecting, and as delighted as we are, the news drives our longing for children even deeper.  We certainly believe life is ALWAYS to be celebrated since it's a direct reflection of God's power and mystery.

The other morning as I (Isaiah) sat down to read and reflect, I began praying for these friends, new babies, and those still being formed.  Praying for others is healing for me because it takes the focus off of me, and what I don't have, and moves my gaze beyond the emotions.  As my prayers began to shift from others to our situation I was reminded of a phrase that jumped into my mind at the beginning of this adoption process: "God has something up His sleeve".  This morning, these same words surfaced.  They are a random set of words, especially if your mind immediately went to a magician pulling a ten food handkerchief out of his sleeve, but for me they bring truth.  The truth that God hasn't forgotten!  The truth that He's not punishing us!  The truth that God is our Provider!  The apostle Paul speaks to this in Ephesians 3:20-21 which says, "Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly than all we ask or think, according to the power at work within in us, to Him be glory in the church (believers) and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen."  I can't help but dream after reading these verses.  God IS able to do more abundantly than all we ask or think!  For some reason dreaming has been pretty easy in this adoption.  We dream of ALL the possibilities that can take shape.  I dream of what God might "have up His sleeve".  Regardless, it will be a demonstration of His righteousness, justice, and mercy.

If I'm honest with myself, and you, this part of the adoption process (the waiting...waiting...waiting part) has been the most difficult.  It's due partly because it's towards the end and we could get a call any time, but also because we have a baby room all done up with no sheets on the crib, no smelly diapers in the trash can, no unique baby sounds thundering through our house, and no toys out of their place.  It's this time that those random words "God has something up His sleeve" bring hope and truth to my "poor me" attitude and mindset.