The dearth of love in the world depresses me, so it follows that the rich pockets of love that I encounter when I actually pay attention, soothe and bless me.

Last Sunday, was my first experience with Mother’s Day on Facebook. There were lots (and lots and lots) of memes and pictures of wonderful moms and their offspring. It was very sweet, however there was one, candid post that showed up the day after Mother’s Day, that moved me the most. The post was written by “C”, a mom stressing a bit about the everyday angst, uncertainty and striving that’s built into motherhood. Initially, she worried that she was getting things wrong, then she wound her way around to a reaffirmation of her love for and commitment to her child. “C” is a mom of three. Her post is in reference to her youngest, who was adopted.

I think of my birth children as having come to me, primed for my love through pregnancy. Those 40 weeks amounted to training for the lifetime habit of putting their needs before my own. I thought and dreamed so much about each baby, that by the time they arrived, we had already completed a phase of life together.

By contrast, the adoptive mom is gifted. She skips the remedial preparation class, and hits the ground running in the advanced class. Adoptive moms clear out a permanent space in their heart of hearts for a stranger, while assuring that stranger a physical place to belong. Wow

C went out and chose a child to bring into her existing family to love and cherish. That baby didn’t grow in her womb, but I believe they came together by divine appointment.

On Sunday, our Pastor encouraged us to always seek to do what is most loving. Moms have a handle on that, but adoptive moms have the edge. They show us that real love doesn’t require a specific recipient. I want to love like that!

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