And sometimes God speaks to us in the most unexpected ways.
That happened to Krista and I the other day. It’s been a whirlwind of a week. If you told me a week ago that we’d have a newborn baby in our house within the week, I would have told you that you’re crazy. We’ve wanted to adopt for a couple of years, but nothing ever seemed to work out or feel right. So when I got the phone call asking me if we wanted to take in a baby just born the day before with the possibility of adopting, I was taken a bit off guard. The baby would need a home right away, like tomorrow.
It didn’t take long to decide when Krista and I talked through it. We knew we wanted to, but we didn’t know how it would happen. We had nothing ready to take in a newborn, but we trusted that we could scramble and rally everything to at least get us going.
So we said, “YES!”
We were about to become the court-appointed guardians of a baby girl, with the possibility of adopting her sometime in the next year. And we have less than 24-hours to get what we need to be ready for the new arrival.
DCF (Department of Children and Families) came to our house within a few hours to conduct an emergency home study, and we started getting the word out about our big life change.
Many of you know that Krista Borntreger King and I have been pursuing adoption over the past few years. But as we prayed…
Posted by Dan King on Wednesday, August 27, 2014
Later that evening, we were hanging out with the kids before bedtime, just snuggling and talking. We had talked to them a couple of hours earlier about what was happening, so we were all just kind of soaking in the news and the expectation of what tomorrow would bring.
That’s when Krista asked our 11-year-old son how he felt about everything.
“Good. I’m excited.”
He’s a great kid, with a giant-sized heart of compassion. I really wouldn’t expect him to NOT be excited about something like this.
Then Krista looked at him, and told him, “Well, Samuel, I’m kind of overwhelmed.”
It’s not a bad overwhelmed. We’re just processing a lot of emotion and logistics and (like him) excitement and anticipation. There’s a lot going through our hearts and minds, and my wife was simply being honest about the fact that it’s a lot to deal with.
My son turned to his mom, looked her straight in the eyes, and in the coolest, most confident voice, he said:
Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.
By reciting Ephesians 3:20-21 to us, he spoke life directly into our hearts, and reminded us that God is in control of all of this.
He also showed us that even though we think he spends too much time playing video games, and not connecting enough with the family, he still gets it. What we are sowing into him (along with amazing children’s ministry at our church) is sinking in.
And he drew my attention to the fact that all of this is for God’s glory. This story that’s being written is part of God’s plan for redemption, healing, and hope for all. It’s not all of it, but it’s definitely part of it. God started a work in us, and he’s going to do some big things through us to show others how much he loves them.
God is in control. We’re resting in that truth, thanks to an 11-year-old boy. We’re already in love with the new addition to our home, and we will soak up every minute that God is entrusting her into our care.
Amen.
There is a special annointing on that young man! You and Krista are wonderful parents. Little Rosie Love has hit the jackpot!
Oh my gosh… he’s a great kids, and I have no doubt that God has a BIG plan for him! Thanks for the encouragement on our parenting. We try to do everything we can, and feel like some days we hit it and other days we TOTALLY miss it. But that’s the point I wanted to try to communicate here… we do the best we can, and in the end… it’s paying off… he gets it! #fistbump
That’s the thing about parenting, we do what we can. Some days we hit the mark and other days we miss it completely. We’ve all done it. In the end all we know is results are totally in God’s hands and plans. But, your guy, I see God size fingerprints all over him.
There’s a reason we named him Samuel. We’ve felt that way even from the very begining of the pregnancy.
Wow! That is one great kid and an amazing God moment!
I told him that he is one of the main reasons we felt like we could say yes to this opportunity. He’s been such a great big brother to his little sister, which made us feel like he would be great about how he handled any other new kids coming into our home. I’m just so proud of him.
so exciting. so many little people who need love and safety. amazing answer to prayer.
it is a HUGE answer to prayer! we’ve been wanting to bring a child in need into our family for a while now. it’s been a wild ride, and we’re enjoying every minute of it!
Lovely, lovely. Very insightful kid of yours – and so very mature and wise. Blessings on all 5 of you.
Thank you! He’s always had a huge heart… especially when it comes to orphans. I’m definitely a #prouddad! Blessings to you too!
So very excited for all of you, Dan. And that son of yours? I suspect the apple didn’t fall far from the tree. He sounds to me like a mini Dan. Many blessings to all of you….and thank you for having a heart ready to receive this beautiful gift.
Wow, out of the mouths of babes (well, I know he’s not a babe, but a fine solid young man) but I’d say you heard from God today. And isn’t it just like HIM to bust on the scene with a babe?
Very true, Doug! It always blows me away when God speaks through my kids like that. I’ve also had a great conversation with him recently about helping him recognize those moments when God is using him like this. He’s really growing into a great young man who is living up to his name… Samuel, “Heard from God”.
i was just reading this story. i love it:) isn’t it great when our kids can speak truth to us from GOD’s Word? 🙂