Adoption thoughts

http://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2010/july/10.18.html?start=1

I'm not sure how to add links, so I am trying a couple of things. I hope it works.

This article was sent to me by someone I would call an adopted mother. She is not my mother by birth, but has claimed me as her daughter. Although I do already have a birth mother, whom I am very close to, I have aunts that are like second mothers to me as well. We all experience a form of adoption in our lives. When Joe and I got married, my family wrapped their arms around him. He calls them mom, dad, brother, etc. We have friends that we would call brothers and sisters. The church is our adopted family. I can't tell you how many people I know, including ourselves, that have been cared for like family through other Christians or even a church congregation. Even Jesus left his home town, lived life with and poured into his disciples. They had a bond of brotherhood.

The beauty in adoption is that we are accepted as we are. We don't have to earn love from the other person. We see faults in each other and even talk about most of them, but we love each other all the same. We confide in each other, correct each other, and encourage each other. That is what God does for his children. He has open arms ready to give us a voice. (Read the article about this.) He picks us up, brushes us off (which sometimes hurts), encourages us, and corrects us. He warns us about sin because He knows how bad it is for us. He does it because of His love for us. It is not a effort to control us. We don't deserve all of the goodness He offers. We don't deserve being adopted. But just the same, we ARE adopted and I am sooooo thankful for it.

HOW DEEP THE FATHER'S LOVE FOR US

How deep the Father's love for us
How vast beyond all measure
That He should give His only Son
And make a wretch His treasure

How great the pain of searing loss
The Father turns His face away
As wounds which mar the Chosen One
Bring many sons to glory

Behold the man upon the cross
My sin upon His shoulder
Ashamed I hear my mocking voice
Call out among the scoffers

It was my sin that held Him there
Until it was accomplished
His dying breath has brought me life
I know that it is finished

I will not boast in anything
No gifts, no power, no wisdom
But I will boast in Jesus Christ
His death and resurrection

Why should I gain from His reward
I cannot give an answer
But this I know with all my heart
His wounds have paid my ransom