Time to reflect over what God is doing in our family is rare these days, but recently I was able to read a book that quickly reminded me of why we are so thankful to be adopting again. The book is called Appointments With Heaven written by Dr. Reggie Anderson and Jennifer Schuchmann. It is the story of a country doctor and his experiences with heaven through his patients. I was so drawn to the story because so much of it could have been my life. However, one particular story in the book touched my heart more than others. Dr. Anderson was caring for a elderly female, Lois. Lois was blind, and was hospitalized with a kidney infection. Lois' mental status was normal despite her infection. One morning as Dr. Anderson was making rounds, Lois seemed confused. She was agitated and was anxiously saying, "Keep them away from me. Please keep them away from me." She seemed to be shoving something away while asking, "Don't you see them? There are so many of them. Their brilliant lights are hurting my eyes!" This type of confusion is quite common among the elderly when they have infection. After trying to comfort Lois with no success, Dr. Anderson started writing orders for medication to calm her down. Before he could complete the order he heard Code ten, room two. That was Lois' room. As he reentered her room he realized it was not Lois, but her roommate, Sissy, who had suffered cardiac arrest. Despite the best effort of the medical staff, Sissy died. After attempting to save the other patient, Dr. Anderson returned to Lois' bedside. To his surprise she was now completely calm. Lois said, "They're gone now, Doctor." She explained further, "The angels. They're not flying over my bed anymore; they've gone with Sissy. They've taken her away." Lois was back to her normal self.
Dr. Anderson reflects on his time with Lois further in his book. He states, "Children and the elderly both have the same kind of faith. The very young have clarity of vision that has not yet been clouded by the things of this world. They see God and his work more clearly than the rest of us. On some level I believe they recognize that where they came from is a very real place and that it still exists. They believe without effort, and they're willing to talk freely about their spiritual experiences.
Likewise, the elderly seem to have this same clarity. As the very old near death, their physical bodies grow weaker, and their vision begins to dim. Whether the cause is cataracts, glaucoma, or just old age, they can't see as well as they once did. But their inability to see as clearly as before has some positive benefits. For the first time in their adult lives, they're able to slow down.
As the sights and sounds of this world start to fade, they tune their eyes and ears toward heaven. It suddenly seems much closer than they'd previously realized. They start to reflect more, and they begin to see and hear from God in ways they'd never been able to before....In other words, they become more childlike in their faith."
He goes on to say, "Several times in the New Testament, Jesus is quoted as saying that we must become like little children if we want to enter the Kingdom of Heaven. I think he's talking about the faith I've seen both the young and the elderly...I think I know why Jesus asked us to care for the widows and the orphans, and I don't think it's only because they need us to provide for them...I think it was to help us. When we spend time with widow and orphans, we are able to see him better. If we want to know God, we need to learn from those who know him best, and who is closer to his heart than widows and children ?"
These excerpts from Dr. Anderson's book portray the way my family feels about orphan care and adoption. It answers the "Why are you adopting question" perfectly. We adopt because God commands us to care for orphans, but also because God draws us closer to him as we care for those same orphans.
Jeremiah 49:11 provides even more evidence that if we want to align our hearts with God, we must care for those who can not care for themselves. Chapter 49 tells God's plan to destroy several nations and people groups because of the way they warred against Israel. While describing the calamity that He plans to bring on Edom, God stops and states, "Abandon your fatherless; I will preserve them; let your widows trust in me." What a powerful reminder of God's heart for the "least of these."
As if I need more evidence of that childlike faith we all desire, Lauren sent me a story that Janie had written in her journal today. I included that story below. I am blessed to have a six year old child who understands that adoption is part of God's plan regardless of differences in appearance.
Chasing Butterflies
One day Lilly went outside and saw 2 butterflies. They were flying to China to adopt a baby boy. He was a beautiful flue and white chevron pattern. When the mommy and daddy butterflies got him they named him James. When James got home, his sister, Caroline flittered and fluttered all over their yard. It didn't matter that she was polka dots and he was chevrons. She loved him with all her heart even if he was different. They are a happy family now!!!
I plan to share our adoption journey as we travel the next two weeks. Thanks again to those who have prayed and continue to lift up my family through this journey.
I encourage everyone to purchase copy of Appointments With Heaven. I honestly could not put it down. The book website is http://appointmentswithheaven.com/.
