The Zoo Kids

The Zoo Kids
Finally Together

Wednesday, December 19, 2012

ADOPTED - UNCONDITIONALLY

Eli is teaching me so much. Through our relationship I am gaining a much deeper understanding of my heavenly Father's love for me. I am so thankful for these lessons and I am thankful for my son.

Here is part of my conversation with a friend over lunch yesterday:

Friend - How are things going with all the kids?

Me - Everyone is learning to adjust. The kids are playing together just like all brothers and sisters do. There are still some things with Eli that need some work, but he'll get there.

Friend - What if he doesn't? ...

What if he doesn't?! What if the things that are frustrating with Eli right now take a long time to change? What if they never change? Will I love him anyway?

The bigger question is, "Will I change?" Will I learn to love others in spite of their faults and flaws? If they can't or won't change can I? That is definitely the bigger question and the biggest challenge for me to date!

Let me pause here to say how blessed we are that the frustrating things with Eli are mostly silly issues or issues related to communication. We are not facing any issues with him that are character or safety related. We are blessed to have him as our son.

I am learning so much about the Lord's love for me through Eli. When the Father chose to adopt me as His son He did not choose me because He saw something favorable or some great potential. He actually chose me knowing how sinful my past was and how I would continue to stumble in my attempts to measure up for the rest of my days on earth. He knows ALL my faults and flaws - past, present and future - and He loves me nonetheless! The Father does not look at me and say, "Tracey is doing pretty good. There are still some things that need some work, but he will get there." I believe the Father just looks at me and says, "This is my child, and I love him very much!"

The Father's love does not hinge on my ability to do the right thing today or my potential to do the right thing in the future. One of the beautiful things about GRACE is that the Father chose to love me in spite of my ability to ever measure up.

For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works [past, present, or future], so that no one may boast. (Ephesians 2:8, 9 ESV, brackets added)

FATHER,
Thank you for loving me in spite of all my faults and flaws. If I could ask you, "Why do you love me?" I believe your response would be, "Because I can!" And only you can love me unconditionally knowing all my faults and flaws. No one else could love me the way you love me. Lord, help me to truly grow in my understanding of your grace and love that I might be able to extend your grace and love to the world around me. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.



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