When I started dating my wife Ana, and we married almost five years later, having a family was not a consideration. I had some health issues back then, and I was closer in age to most grandfathers than I was to fathers, so it just didn’t cross my mind. Ana, as she is given to do, had a mind to raise a family, and regardless of my sage advice and logical and well-supported protestations, she effectively ignored the obstacles and set her unwavering sights on the possibility.
She dragged me forward, kicking and screaming and frantically touting my list of impossibilities, yet somehow God wired her ears or brain, or something, to somehow joyfully feel encouraged by my protesting, and she drove forward with even greater zeal.
We exhausted every possibility, then, turning to God for answers, we became foster parents for half a decade, and eventually God gave us our children. That time living and being governed by the foster system involved five of the most challenging and difficult, at times traumatic, years of our lives. There were two attempts to have us murdered. A racist judge. Social workers and department policies that had no consideration for the children they were responsible for. And others that, despite working in a broken system, cared for every child and made it their life’s mission to find ways to make the right thing happen. They were the heroes, and not surprisingly, they were Christian women and men.
It was a miserable and painful five years, but it resulted in the adoption of our children, making the experience absolutely worthwhile.
And we know that all things work together for good to those who are the called according to His purpose.
Romans 8:28 NKJV
God teaches us in Romans 8:28 that He will use all things to the good, and He certainly did in our case. Those five years and all of our experiences became our testimony, and Ana has been able to help so many foster and adoptive families navigate their challenges because of what we learned. And God blessed us with four incredible children who fill our home and hearts daily.
A few days ago, they decided they wanted to treat Ana and me by making a meal. To set the background, our children from an early age were taught how to clean house, make beds, scrub bathrooms, look after pets, do dishes, and cook. They have their daily chores, and they actually love doing them.
So Ana and I were banished to our room to rest while they made a gourmet meal of scrambled eggs, toast, and tacos. We called it brunch. And when they were done, they cleaned up the kitchen and the entire house.
Ana and I work very hard, and so do our kids. Ana and I also love and serve God, and so do our kids. Kids are not a burden; they are the greatest, most rewarding, and most honorable responsibility a man and wife can shoulder together. The reward is just seeing their faces and watching them navigate and learn about life. They are not a burden, or too much, or something we try to avoid dealing with, or dream about kicking them out the day they turn eighteen. We want them here forever and literally cherish every second. There is nothing I want to do more than love God, my wife, and our family. Their giving us the day off, making an awesome meal for us, and taking care of things was just a bonus.
Yes, I am a father of young children in my late 60’s, but that is my motivation for being fit and living a healthy and active life. It’s why I am always looking for opportunities to build things, to serve God, to be a good provider, but also to be an example to my children. My kids keep me thinking young, and my wife and I are filled with the desire to serve God by devoting our lives to Him, so we are never standing still, waiting to get old.
Ana was right, and I am glad I listened. Having a family is something I dreamed of having, but never thought it would be possible. With God, all things are possible. God had a plan for our lives, and Ana obeyed that call. I don’t resist that call anymore. God’s plan is always better than mine, and the real strength, courage, power, and success come through Him. I can have all He has for me when I humble myself and listen to Him.
