As the transitions in my life continue I keep facing new things that I never anticipated. Through steps of grief coupled with a rapidly approaching adoption, nothing seems like old hat these days. It’s all new to me.
One new piece of our life will now be the biological family of our soon-to-be son and daughter. Our kids were taken from their family about two years ago and had regular visits until just a few months ago. They know their roots.
Their mom isn’t a birth mom she’s just Mom. Their dad isn’t a birth father. He is Dad.
As we approach this Mother’s Day my heart is drawn to their mom. Maybe by choice or maybe by imposed circumstances she does not have her children. She will not have a Mother’s Day dinner or celebration with her children. Whether or not it is what is best, it’s still hard for her and her children.
So as I navigate this new dynamic in our family here’s some things God has gently place on my heart:
1. Find ways to honor their mother.
I read this a few weeks ago somewhere and I just keep meditating on this thought. I honor her because she chose life. She could have aborted her pregnancies, but she didn’t. She carried those babies full-term and gave them life. Beautiful life. I am honored to love and protect her children.
2. Follow the lead of my kids.
I’m not sure where they are emotionally. I’m still not sure what is safest for them yet. But I am open and ready to listen to their hearts and let God show us the way. I am ready to help them navigate through difficult emotions and encourage love and forgiveness around each turn.
3. Pray for her.
No matter what the future holds, she is loved fiercely by the God who made her. My hearts desire is for her to know true love and true forgiveness that ultimately comes from having an experience with Jesus. May her soul find rest.