Today we celebrate Jozephine Lynn Vair.
While ours in our hearts for some time now, today she is legally, finally, officially, formally adopted, and forever ours - and we hers.
This adoption experience has been unique, even from Norah's. Entirely different actually. As Jozie was part of our extended family, the bond began in some way long ago...she was already family, albeit distant.
We responded to our belief that caring for her was our moral and biblical responsibility, and yet the bigger draw, the more obvious response, was one of love.
We each had an independent and yet beautifully united response to her need for a healthy home and family to care for her and love her, nurture her, teach her. A love, we believe, the Lord has given us...without boundaries.
We were asked long ago with Norah, "Is there room in your home and your heart for one of these abandoned girls?" Yes, yes there was. And, the same is true today. Yes, yes there is.
Thank you, God, for giving Jozie a new story. Hers has been one of confusion, neglect, unhealthy relationships, and destructive life patterns.
We are not perfect...we will not be perfect parents, but Lord willing...we offer something new. We offer love...imperfect as it is, but with the hope and promise of Christ. He has redeemed us, and we now have a home where He is Lord and central to who we are and all that we do. This is indeed a new story. Our only hope for restoration, however deep or shallow the scars, lies in Jesus himself.
And so today, I am most of all aware and thankful that He has called Jozie, by way of our family, into His family, and we pray that she embraces Him as Savior and Lord, that He might truly bring rest, restoration, joy, and life anew. And, indeed, He has already begun...
Jozie has given us a new story too.
Thank you, Lord, for the way you make families. We could not have written or even imagined this ourselves. Only you, only your grace allows it.
Thank you for hope. Thank you for love...love bigger than ourselves.
May our hearts be forever united because of what You have done.
Thank you for family. Thank you for our family. We often joke of its makeup - yours, mine, ours, theirs...His.
It is perfect. May it be a lovely reflection of You.

