Today

(We will pick up the "I am" sayings tomorrow)

"12 Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God— 13 children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God." John 1:12-13 TNIV

"4. For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love 5 he predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will— 6 to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves." Ephesians 1:4-6 TNIV

I am a product of a plan. 

I am here because I am supposed to be. 

I was born into the family I was because it would fit my life best.  

I have married my wife because it was promised I would.

I have five children (Two girls, Two boys, and one untimely born) as part of a greater layout.  

I am who I am because I am not my own. 

Today, I celebrate with my family the anniversary of the adoption of our son Tavo.  One year ago today, as a family we went down to the courthouse and collectively agreed to welcome him into our family. He had been in our home for almost two years, but in our hearts for years.  From that point forward, we knew him as ours; however, God has always known him as ours.  Where I had no idea at fourteen that God had such a great plan for me, God always knew.  Where I was uncertain I would ever survive the heartbreak of teenage love or puberty, God knew something so much greater awaited me.  Where I could see only the moments in front of me, God saw the end of all things and the great plans He had for me.  

Today is a day of celebration. Yet, yesterday was no different and tomorrow will be no less.  Life is about celebration.  It is about learning to take the tragedies and triumphs together as the sum total, not just the randomness of mere chance.  Today is to be seen as the foreshadow of tomorrow - Celebration.  Today there will be hardship and pain, but tomorrow is coming.  Tomorrow there will be a struggle against doubt and uncertainty, but even tomorrow can only last so long.  The promise of God is that with every day his compassions are new (Lamentations 3:22-23) and that today has enough concerns for itself so being consumed with what is yet to come is fruitless (Matthew 6:34). I have confidence in God's plan.  Because God is fully apprised of all things, nothing catches Him unaware.  

Today I simply pledge to be present.  I will do my best to honor God by accepting His plan. It is not a license to neglect my calling, nor does it give me permission to be complacent.  I am to learn today as I learned yesterday and will be called to learn tomorrow.  I will make every attempt to be obedient and sensitive to the Spirit of God as He calls me to that obedience.  But more than anything, I will accept that I cannot retrieve was has passed and that I will not arrive at tomorrow until I pass through today. 

And in the end, passing through is all I am doing.  

Soli Deo Gloria