5:16 Club -- Day 15, Love

John 14:18

I will not leave you as orphans;
I will come to you.

I spent over 45 minutes snoozing this morning from pure exhaustion, rising early enough to get some time with the Lord and a moment to share these thoughts with you. Yesterday was a full day, starting with driving the twins to preschool followed by a precious time at Women with a Mission discussing Lot's wife with some really wonderful ladies. I had to leave early, however, in order to pick up Megan at home and head off for a college visit and interview.

I've not written about Megan much, out of respect for her privacy. She is one of our precious students who lost both her mother and, more recently, her father in the past three years, leaving her without a place to call home. Her extended family has shown her support, while God has blessed us with a home large enough to give Megan her own room and our hearts big enough to consider her family.

It has been a wonderful experience getting to know Megan. She is intelligent, thoughtful, considerate, and very down to earth. She also has such a teachable heart, which makes discussing life, culture, relationships, and Scripture very exciting. She is also independent and confident enough to challenge me! God has definitely used Megan's tender but honest words to challenge me in areas that need adjustment in my own life.

Yesterday's college visit was exciting and intimidating. Selecting a university is no easy task. There were many questions and aspects to consider, which I'm sure we'll talk about for days while awaiting acceptance letters and the much needed aid packages. The one moment I'll never forget is when our tour guide referred to me as "mom." I almost fell over. I've promised Megan to never replace her mother, but to stand, in every way possible, as her mother's friend (although I never knew Megan's mom), in supporting her and loving her throughout her life. Megan and I exchanged smiles, but she never countered the guide's assumptions. Sometimes that is just easier, rather than explaining the whole story. But I was honored, none the less, by Megan's silent response. I was also incredibly humbled that the Lord saw me fit for such a responsibility.

Today is Megan's birthday and I'm looking forward to quietly blessing her and celebrating her life. She's never liked her birthday, so our exuberant family with have to hold back a bit, being sensitive to her wishes and also the mixed feelings that come with being an orphan in a world where most are not. Again I am thankful knowing what it is like to be without the love of an earthly father, as I can draw on that to give compassion and understanding to Megan.

We all are orphans, in the spiritual realm, until we come to the cross and accept the love of our heavenly Father. Oh, but by His grace, that we should know such a love in the depths of our souls, for when we accept Jesus as Lord, we are adopted in Christ. Through that transformation, we also receive the power to love one another from sincere hearts, as our Heavenly Father has loved us.

Go, love Jesus today. And find someone else to demonstrate that love to, whether it be your own family or someone that the Lord brings into your life. It is a love worth giving and receiving.

Ephesians 1:5-6

In love he predestined us to be adopted as his sons through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will— to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves.

Because of Him,