September 23, 2011

On Growing a Family

Joining with Lisa-Jo for her Five Minute Friday on this week's topic: GROWING.
How does a family grow? How does it go from one to two to three to four to five?
Ten years ago I was one.
One is a lonely number so along came Matt and then we were two.  
Two can also be a lonely number so we set out to be three.
Three, however, was a difficult number to come by. And it took some heartache but God being who God is, at the right time, we became three.
And three was not so lonely a number anymore and we were happily settled for the time being but then there was a phone call and …surprise!...we were four. 
Four is a great number. It is an even and solid number. It is a number to sit on forever.
But…
One is a lonely number when you are one child among many in an orphanage and there are only so many hands to take care of all the needs.
One is a lonely number when you were meant to live in family and to have a place to call home.
One is a lonely number when, by simple addition, you don’t have to be alone anymore.
Years ago I didn’t know how we would grow from one to four but today I do know how we will grow from four to five.
And as we embark in this adventure of a Haitian adoption here are some other things I know about growing:
My belly may not grow but my heart will.
My bank account may not grow but my family will.
My house may not grow but the love and the joy it contains will.
And even though none of those things may grow…a child will.

9 comments:

Anonymous said...

seriously, love this.
We have adopted and I know what you are talking about.
Loved this.
so well written.
T

Aritha V. said...

Thanks for writing this lovely posting!

Nancy said...

Something about this just broke my heart--thinking about the loneliness of the one among many in an orphanage. Hoping your one comes home to you soon.

Gaby said...

Thank you, ladies. T, thank you for stopping by and Jedidja, thank you for the sweet words. Nancy, amen and amen!

Deborah said...

Beautifully written, as always. I hope that lonely one in Haiti finds you soon - you will be such a great family for him or her!

Mary Jo said...

Gaby...
I am just now getting to read this BEAUTIFUL post. Your heart is so full of God's love, and I am sure that your house sings with praise. Your children are so blessed to call you mama. Praying for you...and the growth of your family. :)

Unknown said...

This may be my FAVORITE post yet! love love love watching your family grow from 4 to 5!!!

Jennifer said...

I am excited to read more about the little one who will join your family and no longer be lonely! Your family is beautiful, and so is your heart. :)

Unknown said...

What a wonderful post. Would you allow us to repost it on We Are Grafted In? I'd need a bio and a picture of you to include with your bio. Let me know!