Ordinary Day—Extraordinary Blessings!

Romans 8:15-16 (NIV) — For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship. And by Him we cry, “Abba, Father.” The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children.

Three things happened yesterday that were absolutely extraordinary. Each of them were experiences shared with my 15-year-old adopted daughter on a run-of-the-mill Sunday afternoon. Here’s what happened in chronological order.

First, we had a meaningful conversation. Second, she took a nap on my shoulder. Third, we ran some errands together. I know! Kind of sweet, perhaps what’s the big deal?

Well, for a couple of reasons, this is precisely the stuff that shows me God’s supernatural activity right here, right now, in the house where I live. For starters, each of these moments with my daughter involved “sharing life” — an extremely difficult concept for a child who lived as an orphan until age 11. Add to that the “distance” every teen-ager seems to erect between herself and her parents and it’s easy to understand why we spend many days co-existing, few days truly connecting. And yesterday we connected in conversation, in an embrace (so close that she whispered, “I hear your heart beating, Mom!”) and in working together.

Even as I replay each of these vignettes in my mind, thanking God for making them possible, He reminds me that I could bless Him today. And it could be as simple as 1) having a meaningful conversation with Him 2) taking time to rest in His everlasting arms (close enough to even hear His heart beat!) and 3) going about my tasks, enjoying His company. The very thing that blessed this earthly, mortal mother is what blesses our perfect, Divine Heavenly Father — connection with His kids!

Terri and her family live in Matthews, North Carolina with their four children, Allison, 17, Irina 15, Zachary, 15 and Deanna, 10. Terri is a writer who longs to encourage believers to experience their full adoption and identity in Christ. She enjoys ministry to teens and parents of adoptive children in her home church.

Terri welcomes your visit today.