How blessed is God! And what a blessing he is! He’s the Father of our Master, Jesus Christ, and takes us to the high places of blessing in him. Long before he laid down earth’s foundations, he had us in mind, had settled on us as the focus of his love, to be made whole and holy by his love. Long, long ago he decided to adopt us into his family through Jesus Christ. (What pleasure he took in planning this!) He wanted us to enter into the celebration of his lavish gift-giving by the hand of his beloved Son. (Ephesians 1:3-6)
Sunday we had a birthday party in our home for Erin. It always feels a little complicated explaining my relationship with Erin. I call her my little sister, but in my heart she has always been a daughter. Erin came into our lives 33 years ago when her mom moved into my parents home. Her mom was wounded emotionally and struggling to rebuild a life as she carried a new life inside of her. A few months after giving birth she asked me to be Erin’s guardian. It was an overwhelming proposition – I was still in college and not yet married. But my family jumped in and we all participated in loving and raising this beautiful little red-headed girl.
It wasn’t always easy. Raising someone else’s child is a challenge. Land mines of anger, jealousy, fear and competition can explode at any minute. But then there are the moments of pure joy… Watching her play Mrs. McGillicuddy dressing up in my shoes and jewelry… seeing her develop strengths all her own (where did she learn to organize space like that??)… congratulating her on high test scores and other achievements… being there each time as she delivered 3 beautiful girls of her own… I’ve never regretted a minute that Erin is part of my family.
Erin & my friend Dawn at my wedding
It gave God great joy in creating a family and inviting me to be a part. Do I bring Him joy and pride and pleasure in the things I do? I take comfort knowing He suffers when I hurt, that He dances when I am happy, that He shines when I serve Him well.
