Reflections on Mother’s Day…

They say a picture is worth a thousands words.

I have absolutely no words for this picture…it’s a life time of unexpressible words to me…

The heart behind those hands changed my life–and one day…my son has the most amazing story to tell. Throughout his journey I stood so often jaw dropped–and the most amazing details…I could only scribble down in my journal as not to forget…so sacred that only my sweet boy should read them first. But oh those hands that came to bless me and hold my cheeks with her hands…and give me a kiss on each side.

She thanked me…more times than I could count…all followed by my assuring her how deep and true our love was for this child…there was no need to thank us–for it was our HONOR and JOY. She hugged me…I wanted to freeze time–forever. She lifted her hands to the heavens and in her native tonque praised God. I had no words. I still don’t. And then I watched her leave.

Tears rolled down my cheeks and the orphanage director grabbed me. I’ll never forget her words.

“Your heart wants to save Ethiopia–but you can not do that. THAT is not your job–it is His. God has called you to this one. Now go do what God called you to do–and be this boy’s mother.”

Another mom, Cheri Rogers, who had just met her sweet daughter days earlier stood there with me…also speechless. And in that moment–she and I became kindred spirits and heart sisters for life. We had experienced a birth and labor of motherhood that was holy and unexplainable…so completely hard–but in a really crazy way right.

And *I*…I can’t believe that the Lord would call me AGAIN. What an honor…what a joy. How blessed we are to get to grow again. I think so much about Isaac’s birthmom and the whys he needed us. I later have deeply seen why we needed him. He laid his head on my chest today while patting my back…saying mama over and over again. He laughed and gave me kisses…and today may have been one of the most amazing, sweet bonding days we have ever had. And *I*…I just can’t believe…that I get to do this again.

What IF I hadn’t heard? What IF I hadn’t listened? What IF I was too caught up in “how in the world can *I* do this?” or “how in the world will college be paid for?” or, or…or AND or. I’m just so thankful–because the question is not “how in the world can I do this” because I can’t. BUT He can through me. My heart is so excited to be a mommy again. I’m sad that China unlike Ethiopia does not allow women who are unable to care for their babies to safely bring their children to orphages so they are all abandoned with hopes to be quickly found…so I will never hold the hands of her birthmom and share my heart to love her child for always. But oh how I WILL. And I pray that where-ever she is that some how she would know…that God is safely going to place the sweet one she is unable to care for in a family that is just over the MOON to meet her…and already so ready to meet her for the first time. And love her…and for this momma…to get to be a mommy again…to her.

There just isn’t anything grandeur than being a mom. Doesn’t matter HOW you become a mom…because once a child is in your arms…no matter the hard things that come with it–there is just nothing more glorious. Is there?

May you enjoy the moments with the ones God has given you…and may your love to them be through His love…who also sought you, adopted you as His and will never, ever stop loving you either…