While He was still speaking to the crowds, behold, His mother and brothers were standing outside, seeking to speak to Him. Someone said to Him, "Behold, Your mother and Your brothers are standing outside seeking to speak to You." But Jesus answered the one who was telling Him and said, "Who is My mother and who are My brothers?" And stretching out His hand toward His disciples, He said, "Behold My mother and My brothers! "For whoever does the will of My Father who is in heaven, he is My brother and sister and mother." Matthew 12:46-50

We last talked about the love of church family. Today, we’re talking about physical families. Physical family is at the core of adoption – how people can make up any configuration, and by virtue of their love for each other, become family.

In my own upbringing, I was raised by my mother, and an older woman that took her in when she first moved here to California. My mom was young and didn’t really know anyone. So, this very kind older woman treated her like a daughter, and, later when I was born, treated me like family as well.

I called her Aunt Marie, and in part, I was named after her and my grandmother. She was not related to me by blood, but stronger family ties you could not find! Even now, some 13 years after her death, I find myself wanting to call her to tell her something – and then realizing I can’t.

So it is in adoption – this incredible love for little people not related to us by birth or blood. Yet, because of the extraordinary human capacity for love, instilled in us by a great Creator, we can know joy immeasurable!

I have been calling my children just that, “my children” for months now. In my heart, and in my head, that is what they are – my children. Now they are to officially become part of our physical family. To celebrate, they will be surrounded by both spiritual family and physical family. Two of my mother’s three siblings and their spouses will be there; my husband’s uncle and aunt; and I just found out that my favorite cousin has just moved back to the area where the kids live and we will be able to see her as well!

We’re creating a new family – some related by blood – all related in love!