Saturday, November 28, 2009

Unexpected Gifts

For the first time, Rick and I got up bright and early on Black Friday in hopes of getting a Nintendo DS lite for Matt. He has it at the top of his Christmas list, but knows it's a higher priced item and doesn't really expect to receive it. Our early morning adventure paid off and we were able to get a the game system at a great price. I can't wait to see the look on Matt's face when he realizes he has the gift he wanted, but didn't expect.

This year has been a good one for our family. Yes, there has been plenty of transition, but it's been good just the same. We had an unexpected gift from God along the way that has just been precious and completely unexpected. The gift of time has lead to some perspective and allowed me to see God's provision.

Back in April, Pastor Evan asked people in our congregation in they would be willing to share a cardboard testimony about God's work in their lives. After some delay, I decided to share how I had been abandoned by my biological mother, but I was not forgotten by God. Isaiah 49:15-16 says "Can a mother forget the baby at her breast and have no compassion on the child she has borne? Though she may forget I will not forget you! See, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands; your walls are ever before me." I am so thankful to the Lord for showing me those verses and letting them go from my head to my heart. God was working on something awesome that I couldn't see yet, in the middle of this.

About a month later, Abby had to do a family timeline for school. We worked on together and got it done. I started thinking about my biological mother's side of the family and realized I would like to know just a little bit about their family tree. All I was hoping to figure out was a timeline. I headed to ancestry.com and entered the information I knew. Along the way, I found my biological aunt's email address. With a good dose of trembling, I sent off an email asking for the information. Not only did I get the family tree I was hoping for, but so much more.

At the same time I was making the decision to do that cardboard testimony, my Aunt Wendy was at my biological grandmother's house and gathering up photos and notes about my biological mother, me, and my sister, that she thought should be preserved. Aunt Wendy and I have formed a friendship, I have those photos and notes she gathered that day, as well as perspective on a lot of things I thought I never would understand. I have seen God's protection, provision, and most of all his love. What an unexpected gift in an amazing form.

So what about you? In what ways has God shown up with an unexpected gift in your life?

7 comments:

  1. I have to admit your poster brought tears to my eyes that day. I had no idea you have gone through that and being a mother myself, I can't imagine it. My exhusband unexpectedly abandoned our child and not that it's more accepted for fathers, but it does happen more often. He was also abandoned by his father. As the wonderful mother that I know you are, you have not continued that cycle. Praise God! I'm so happy you have gotten some answers and hopefully some peace. God Bless!

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  2. Awww, that is such an awesome story! Thank you for sharing. And such a wonderful time of the year to receive all that information!

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  3. I have 7 adopted children and I wish that some of them would have had such a positive experience with their birth families..you are indeed fortunate and blessed.

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  4. That is wonderful about your aunt and grandmother. I'm so glad you were able to make some connections with your biological family.

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  5. What an awesome story! God is so very faithful even in the small things. Thank you for sharing.
    So glad you made it through Black Friday! And with success!
    Have a blessed week!
    LydiaCate

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  6. I know it's a bit late, but I sure wanted to let you all know just how much it has meant to me to be a small part of your journey, called life.... Praise God that we are able to break past habits and know that love and family are the true answers...
    Have a very Merry Christmas... Love you..
    Aunt Wendy and Uncle Doug

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