Periodically, we stopped to take in the beautiful views and to laugh about something. The higher in elevation you rise, the funnier things get. It's probably the lack of oxygen. I like to credit my impeccable sense of timing.
As the afternoon began to pass us by, it eventually became clear we had somehow wandered off the path. It hadn't been marked properly. Instead, we found ourselves climbing alongside the blacktop that winds its way to the top. Providentially, some friends we'd intend to hike with drove right past us and took us up and back down again.
Back at more moderate Mile High elevation, we ate pizza and took naps. Evidently, mountain climbing isn't in my life description.
Even though I'm not particularly talented at racing to the top of the world's great summits, I'm plenty good at fighting for causes I believe in. You can be, too. In fact, you probably already are, though you might not have cultivated it as much as you'd like.
Grit is an essential component of the adoption process. I remember plenty of times when I thought we'd never jump through all the right hoops, connect with the right placing family, or meet our baby face to face. But you know what? All three happened, and they happened on a timeline that I couldn't have orchestrated any better if I'd tried to map it out two years in advance.
The apostle Paul longed for the resurrection of his mortal body because he recognized the eternal reward of heaven that would follow. He didn't phone it in at any point during his ministry. He couldn't afford to do that.
Notice what he wrote in Philippians 3:12:
"Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own."
Paul took ownership of his destiny (a bit of a misnomer, assuming you believe we have free will, as I do) and put on his work boots. He gave every ounce of extra effort. Why? "Because Christ Jesus has made me his own." Jesus gave his life so that Paul could get to work. Paul wasn't going to miss out on every opportunity to be a good steward.
What have you been called to manage well? If you are blessed with children through adoption -- today or in the future -- you have every reason to get gritty. Don't be pushed around. Don't let causes or distractions that aren't central to your personal mission siphon off your time.
God demands loyalty. So do your adopted children.
Take courage.
Own your future.
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