Stories

Everyone has one of their own and everyone has one to share...

One of the things that happens when you start to share your story or your circumstance is that you start to hear a lot of stories in return. In thinking about it, it makes me wonder if I do the same to. Do I over share instead of  just listening?

One of the things that I have really come to appreciate lately is just the acknowledgment that I am heard. I don't need or expect people to understand, I just want to know that I am heard.

Don't get me wrong, on the right day, at the right time, I definitely appreciate stories too. I truly believe that stories are spoken encouragement from the Lord. A reminder that He is in control and has a plan. Though hearing other people's stories can definitely be hard, because almost always they end with a baby, they are told to remind me of God's faithfulness. I believe that the reason God gives us stories is to share them, ultimately leading to His Glory. I pray for the day that God's glory will be revealed in the story He is weaving in my life right now!

Lately, I have heard two stories that almost mirror each other about two different women struggling with infertility and the Lord answering their prayer by literally "dropping" babies into their lives via adoption. Neither of these women were pursuing adoption at the time, but had both considered it as a "later" option. Neither went through what would be considered a "normal" adoption process but were connected to the birth mom via mutual friend. Nothing about either circumstance seems normal or to make sense, it screams God.

Hearing these stories makes me think about my own story. The story that God is working to complete in my life. The bits and pieces that He is weaving together to make something beautiful...

I don't know the purpose that hearing these stories will play in my life. What I do know, is that I have been convicted to pray for the family that God has for me. As always, convicted to let go of what I think our family should look like and let the Lord weave together the pieces. I have been affirmed through these stories that God is bigger than the journey we set out upon. That no matter what decisions we make, what we decide to pursue, the Lords plan will ultimately prevail...even if you aren't expecting it!

My life to this day is testament of the Lords work. Being adopted myself, I see that blatantly. I pray that one day, when the rest of the story is revealed, I too will see the hand of God woven throughout. That the story will bring glory to God and healing to those in similar situations...

And that maybe one day...

My story will end with a baby too.

Patiently Praying-

Much Love-
Al