We went to Gillette and finalized the adoption of our daughter on Tuesday. She was already living with us for the past nine months and she had no other family in her life, so nothing really changed. We went to bed like usual and woke up the next morning, like usual. But one thing did change. She is now 100% our responsibility for the next nine and a half years and beyond. When you stop to think about parenting, that 100% responsibility can be a humbling and fearful task. Without anyone else’s input, we are 100% responsible to make sure she has a roof over her head, food on her plate, and clean clothes on her back. We are 100% responsible to make sure she gets a quality education. We are 100% responsible to make sure she learns big things like discipline and discernment. We are 100% responsible to make sure she learns little things like how to brush her hair and have good table manners. And, in case that is not enough, if anything unexpected happens, we are 100% responsible for that too, whatever “that” might be. So, with that 100% responsibility there comes a need for us as parents to stop and think and pray that we would raise her up to be the best adult she can be. And that begs the question, “what will be best?”
Maybe it would be best for her to be wise. With wisdom, she will make good choices in life and do what is best for herself and her present and future family. With wisdom, she will think through problems and find solutions. With wisdom, she will be trusted by those around her and looked up to in her community. With wisdom, she will wisely manage her household and make sure that all the necessities are taken care of.
Or, maybe it would be best for her to be strong. Growing up in America, she will no doubt want to be like all of the other kids and want to do sports. With strength, she will be able to lead her teams in sports and in life to victory. With strength, she will pull herself up by her bootstraps and get through hardships that are all too common to man and woman alike. With strength, she will work hard and complete whatever tasks are before her as a wife or mother someday.
Or, maybe it would be best for her to be rich. Money is the great possession that makes things happen in America. If she works hard and builds up her riches, she will not need to worry about where her next meal will come from. Instead, she will find ways to feed others who are without. With money, she will have a nice house, a nice car, and a nice way of life for her family to find ease in this troubled world.
Or, maybe it would be best for her to understand and know God. No, not maybe. It will be 100% best for her to understand and know God, for now, for the future, and for eternity.
“Thus says the LORD, ‘Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, let not the mighty man glory in his might, nor let the rich man glory in his riches; but let him who glories glory in this, that he understands and knows Me, that I am the LORD, exercising lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness in the earth. For in these I delight,’ says the LORD.” Jeremiah 9:23-24