Here, There, and Everywhere!

I know that there are plenty of people who just don't "get" why we are pursuing adoption. And that is ok. There are plenty of things that other people do that I cannot for the life of me understand, but, alas, it is not my job to judge. It has been rather interesting, though, to see those who were a bit hesitant come to accept and even embrace the choice we have made to bring a child in need of a home into ours. Certainly not everyone is in a position to adopt a child. I truly believe, though, that there is something that each person CAN do and it is up to each individual to determine in his/her heart what that thing is. I know that we are following the path that God laid out for us, but I also know that each person's path is a little different and I can fully appreciate that. Recently, I have had the pleasure of encountering some who believe that all "help" should remain here in the U.S. - we need to take care of our "own." While it is true that we do need to offer a helping hand here at home, I believe it is also our responsibility to care for the less fortunate in far off places who are literally dying of starvation and preventable diseases. Our pastor writes a column in our local newspaper and last week he wrote this, "I have yet to discover where God establishes borders of how far His love can reach." I love that.

Matthew 25:31"When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, he will sit on his throne in heavenly glory. 32 All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate the people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. 33 He will put the sheep on his right and the goats on his left. 34 "Then the King will say to those on his right, 'Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. 35 For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, 36 I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.' 37 "Then the righteous will answer him, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? 38 When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? 39 When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?' 40 "The King will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.'

The point is that we help - wherever we see a need. Near, far, and anywhere in between.