slowing down...

i have had the indescribable joy of discussing being the hands and feet of Jesus with a group of youth the last couple of months.  however, as exciting as the discussion has been, i have found it to be even more enjoyable to work alongside of them practicing what we've discussed.  two of those youth happen to be my daughters...  i caught one on camera the other day as she was working alongside Mr Randy...

what i love about this photo is that the smile on Jordan's face is not posed...  but it's not just her... all the students have that same smile every week as we work... what a blessing!  they are ready and available every week to go and work... wherever needed... doing whatever asked...  that is quite a task for the busy teens we have these days.  for each student, working at this food distribution center each week is their choice... they had to choose it above other things crying out for their time. 

each week as we enter we are greeted by Mr Randy and Mrs Kimberly, who are NEVER in a hurry!  we pray over our work and then we eagerly get started... but NEVER are we in a hurry!  we talk about their lives and ours, we laugh together, we work together, we accomplish together... but NEVER in a hurry!  they have both become precious to each of us as we have slowed down and taken the time to know them and serve others alongside of them... wow, the lessons we would have missed if we had not chosen to spend time with them... lives we would have missed the opportunity to bless in the name of Jesus if we had not slowed down to participate. 

as i continue to sit in the "wait" over our adoption (oh how i so wish i could sit across from you with a glass of tea and a BIG piece of chocolate cake) i have failed to spend ample time gushing about GOD'S FAITHFULNESS!!!!  as much as i would love to have my boys... i wouldn't trade God's timing for mine (i've seen my results too many times).  God has used this adoption process and our two years of "wait" to reveal to us so many areas of our lives that we are missing the good God stuff because of our level of hurry!  and not only are we missing it, but worse is that we are training our children to do the same.  checking scripture and looking at our level of busyness from a Biblical perspective has been humbling :(

we are here TO KNOW GOD and MAKE HIM KNOWN in all situations and circumstances!  the particular circumstance or situation that our family finds itself in that speaks the loudest right now is our adoption...  so... i pray that we slow down and enjoy God's ride through it... basking in who He is, knowing Him more and making the most of exclaiming His Glory through it all!

i can't wait to share God's story with you through the lives of our newest family members... it will be glorious whenever and however it takes place... the reunion is around the corner :)