Monday, October 19, 2009

Other Arms


Usually they arrive with sadness in their eyes.

But this one came with joy - gleaming, dancing, sparkling.

Infectious joy. It fills the room and wipes away the sadness of others who didn't come in his place. We can't save them all, but he's here. And maybe that's all that matters -- not the ones we can't hold, but the ones we can. The others rest in stronger, unseen arms. We must keep trusting in those Other Arms.

Maybe he is just what we needed on this morning of questions. Which ones to bring? Which ones to choose? Adoptions mean empty beds, and empty beds mean new arrivals, but we don't feel like we have the strength to make the choices. A thousand factors considered and we chose him, thinking we could help change the course of his life.

But maybe he was chosen for us. Maybe those Other Arms knew that we would need his smile, brimming with 4 new teeth, and those sparkling eyes.

Our hearts are full, and we feel His presence. There's something sacred about these moments when a child arrives. Like a mother holding her newborn for the first time, there's redemption in the end of pain and unimaginable hope in the empty canvas of future possibilities.

It is in these moments that we realize those Other Arms are holding us, too. They're big enough for that.

And so we rest, trusting He orders steps and opens doors and places the lonely in families. We are just instruments, "little pencils in the hand of the One who is sending a love letter to the world." {Mother Teresa}

8 comments:

  1. What a sweethart! I'm sure his smile lights up the room... I can see it beaming from here!! :)

    I fully believe that your steps have been ordered and your path has been lit...that He shines a light on the children you select, so that ultimately you are not the ones choosing, but He brought them in your path for such a time as this! Continue to press on doing what you do... lives are made beautiful and filled with hope and a future because of it!!

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  2. What an adorable ray of sunshine!!! He is such a gift. Can't wait to get to know him!

    I think most of us waiting adoptive parents understand 100% about Other Arms. It is difficult to trust, but OH how worthy of trust they are!

    I had a dream last night I was at New Day serving and cuddling kids. It was about the best dream I've ever had. It seemed so real. Then I woke up. Darn! :)

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  3. Incredibly beautiful and so full of joy, this post gave me goosebumps! And that little one... how PRECIOUS!
    What a beautiful reminder that He is providing for us in ALL ways, ALL the time :)

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  4. Oh! I am so thankful for "Other Arms" that are big enough to hold so many, and can stretch from one side of the world to the other!

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  5. This little one should be named "Sunny" ... he sure is a little ray of sunshine

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  6. I so needed to read this today. He is just lovely and will bring such joy!

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  7. Beautifully written post--was a blessing to me tonight....as was this sweet boy's smile!
    Kelly

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