When Pigs Fly

     We have all heard the expression "when pigs fly" used a time or two.  Usually, it is paired with a negative comment or remark.  In todays post, it will be giving us hope. 
     Several months ago, I read the best devotion in my monthly women's devotional magazine.  The author was talking about how her mother kept telling her about how she had picked out the perfect birthday present for her.  Her mother went on and on about how she was going to love this present.  When the present was finally opened the package contained a rather large pig with wings. 
     Baffled as to why on earth her mother would buy her such an odd present, her mother went on to explain that the flying pig is a reminder that nothing (not even a flying pig) is impossible with God. 
     I really wish I would have cut out and kept that devotional.  It made such an impression on me that I made it my mission to find a flying pig for my house.  I looked high and low.  I finally found the cute little guy you see in the photo in a resale shop in Brandon, MO.  He sits right next to me every night when I watch TV, read, blog, or fill out adoption paper work. 
     Keeping this post short and sweet, I just want to remind you (and myself) that no matter what you are dealing with right now; nothing (not even a flying pig) is impossible with God.  He is the Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Great I Am, and so much more.  He parted seas, healed the sick, raised the dead, and created the universe.  No problem is too great or too big.  So, what is your flying pig?  Until next time friends, always Chasing Hope. 

But Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” ~ Matthew 19:26

When the Time Comes

     Recently we had some excitement on the adoption front, but before you get too excited it did not end with us becoming parents.  A wonderful friend of mine called me and told me that she had heard of a baby that had been born and the mother told the doctor that she wanted to sign over her rights (she wanted to put her baby up for adoption).  The doctor talked to his wife who in turn talked to my friend and this thoughtful friend thought of me.  (I know she will read this and I pray she won't be upset with me sharing with all of you.)  Even though the infant was placed with a local family, we became aware of a few things that needed to be discussed.  Questions like: who does the mother need to contact if you hear of someone wanting to sign over rights, the mother should make contact with me.  With a better plan in mind, I can't help but think about all of the thoughts that entered my mind in the three short hours where we didn't know what would happen or if we would be parents. 

     Mentally, I began packing our things in my head.  We have a small basic baby bag packed at all times that is bulging at the seams.  What would we really need to take with us that wasn't already in that bag? 
     As far as school was concerned, I would email the rest of my lesson plans for that week to whoever took my place.  I love my students and my job but this call was so much bigger.  Thankfully, my students know all about our adoption and would adapt to whatever happened in my absence. 
     I began to think about how reassuring it would be to have a friend near while we were waiting for our Interstate Compact to go through (this is the legal action that allows us to cross back into Illinois legally with our new baby).  And who's not to say that my mother or my mother-in-law wouldn't jump in the car and visit us.  Ultimately, my mind drifted to our son or daughter.  I did not know the gender of the baby, but my mind went wild with all of the possibilities of what the baby looked like, how much did he or she weigh, and what his or her health condition was. 
     As I impatiently waited to hear back from my friend, I found myself in a constant state of prayer.  The fact that this could be the day was both amazing and terrifying all at once.  The only prayer that I could utter was, "Lord, completely open the door so wide that the hinges would fly off, or slam it shut in our faces."  The harshness of the latter was and will never be lost on me.  On more than one occasion, I have been on the slamming side of that door and, man, can it hurt.  Every time I uttered that prayer I would add in that if the door was closed that I would be able to move past the devastation quickly. 
     When the door was finally closed on this situation for good, I couldn't help but cry a little.  But God is so good; He always picks up the pieces of my broken heart and puts them back together.  Looking back on this situation, I can't help but think of the whirlwind that could be our adoption call.  We could be connected with our birthmother when she is 7 months along and have time to get to know her or we could get the call saying we have been chosen and the baby is here.  If the latter occurs, the chaos that will ensue will be epic (and I never use that word lightly as my students love to over use it).  This "false alarm" has been an affirmation that when the time does come I can switch into crazy planner mode in a matter of seconds (something that up until this point has been sitting idle, which has been driving me crazy).  At that point everything will cease to exist but getting to our baby.  Until next time, impatiently waiting and always Chasing Hope.