Our most recent miracle

It may seem odd to start a story in the middle...there's no background info...no motivation expressed...no details or plot leading up to this moment...but those stories are for another day. Today is about a phone call.  Such a simple thing, a phone call, but I think I'll always remember this one.  

Chris and I were relaxing together on the beach to celebrate our 16th anniversary when his phone rang with a call from our adoption agency. Although we've been waiting for this call, I can honestly say it was shocking, which goes to show how deep my lack of faith really goes. 

You see, several weeks ago after waiting for 4 months, we were told that the file of the little girl we've been seeking to adopt was being transferred to a specific adoption agency (not ours) for placement. For all practical purposes, this would mean it would not be possible for us to adopt this sweet one. We instructed our agency to use whatever means possible to gain access to her file.  However, it seemed like all news was bad news. There was a delay while they waited for her file...then it had to be translated...then they said they were going to open her file up to all the families they had in their own data base before considering us...even if they agreed to some arrangement, it would likely add much time and money to the process in order to strike some "deal" between the two agencies....none of which was entirely positive or encouraging. There were tears shed, questions asked, and faith shaken. We even wanted to contact the second agency ourselves but were instructed to simply wait. 

And so we did just that...with the exception of offering up many a prayer...we waited.

It's pretty easy to say you're trusting in God's sovereignty and leaning on His strength when you don't find yourself in a desperate situation...when you don't feel helpless to do anything but that. I was reminded on a daily basis just how much I was depending on my own ability to cross things off my list and accomplish what needed to be done. Self-sufficiency is the ugly cousin of pride, and I know her all too well.

However, in the midst of all my selfishness, God still chose to send that phone call. "The other agency has decided to give you full access to her file. They are holding her file for your family. Are you still interested?" 

Just like that. No strings. No restrictions. No stipulations. Just "it's yours, if you want it" or more to the point, "she's yours, if you want her." 

There is more...so much more. For now, we will just celebrate in, and give thanks for, this amazing miracle God worked for this little girl, for our family, and for His glory. May we never cease to praise Him.