His Strength Is Perfect

Adopting older children has been one of

the most rewarding experiences of my life.

It has also been one of the most challenging.

Our children were four and five when we met them.

They had memories and experiences in

their lives that happened before they met us.

They had pains and joys that we never shared.

Our first year with them was very, very challenging.

Before we met them, they were considered hard to place.

That label was because of their age, race, and behaviors.

There were many times, that first year, when

I wondered what on earth we were doing.

There were times when I wondered if we had made a mistake,

if we should send them back, if pets might be a better

option. Each time the Lord provided

the strength I lacked.

Each time, God would remind me that He gave me my

children. He had a purpose for their lives and

for our family. He brought all of us through that

first year. He daily renewed my strength.

Behaviors continued, but not as many and not as frequently.

This past month has been very hard with the kids. They've reverted

into a lot of their old behaviors. I'm already at the end

of my rope emotionally, and there are days

when I feel like I can't hold on. There are days,

like today, when I again ask God, "Maybe pets really

would have been a better option for us. Maybe

you made a mistake."

Today, he gently reminded me that

His strength is perfect, when my strength is gone.

I was reminded, again, that God makes no mistakes, that

this time will pass. That one day these dark days will be over, and

that the children He brought to us were the right

children for us. How thankful I am for my

Heavenly Father and for the two children

that He brought into my life. What a gift

they are.