When they had all had enough to eat, he said to his disciples, ‘Gather the pieces that are left over. Let nothing be wasted.’ So they gathered them and filled twelve baskets with the pieces of the five barley loaves left over by those who had eaten.”
– John 6:12-13 NIV
At Thanksgiving, we’ll gather around small or large tables to give thanks for blessings in our lives. If you’re waiting to count some of those “big blessings” you’ve been praying for, giving thanks may be challenging as your heart is filled with things you’re waiting to celebrate. For some hopeful adoptive parents, Thanksgiving is a sweet time to look forward to what’s ahead and honor traditions they’ll share as they dream of adding another seat at the table for their future child. For other adoptive parents in waiting, this time of year may magnify or strike a tender nerve in your longing heart.
Regardless of how Thanksgiving hits you this year, we want to encourage you to know you’re not alone. Not one moment of your story is wasted. The prayers, tears, milestones celebrated, commitment to the process, and willingness to put yourself out there to grow your family and be available to a mom and child who need you is valuable. You have probably already encouraged or inspired someone in your life because of your experience on this journey so far.
We love how author Laci Richter shared her perspective through her family’s adoption story, including fears, loss, joys, and growth. As written in Refuel Your Wait, she was inspired by the Bible story of the fishes and loaves:
“Our Heavenly Father promises that not one moment in our lives, whether it be heartache or joy, will be of waste. He may use a portion of your journey as growth for you or as a teaching moment for others. One crumb of your journey could be gathered to fill twelve other baskets. He wants you to spread the Good News and glorify Him.”
At Lifetime, we thank you for the opportunity to partner with you in this adoption process. We get to see God’s hand in each of your lives in a way that reminds us how seen each child, adoptive family, and birth family are as He works out the details of how you’ll come together to start a new story through adoption.
It’s a privilege to help you in this season of your family’s story! Every day, things are happening behind the scenes on your behalf. This Thanksgiving, may you step back to see a broader view of the good that has been and is happening while you wait to adopt. May God give you a peek at what He sees ahead and what works out in your call to adoption.
A Thanksgiving Blessing from Lifetime
As we gather together this week to celebrate the day of Thanksgiving, we pray that the Lord will keep and watch over all of our Lifetime families-in-waiting. We also pray He will hold a special watch over the babies, children, and birth families we work with. We pray you’ll have a safe Thanksgiving with your loved ones and that blessings and joy will pour out to you all.
Dear Lord,
Protect our adoptive families from harm and sadness today. Let us all see the true blessings you’ve provided in each of our lives at this moment in time.
Let us take time out from phones and other distractions to reflect on these blessings with a thankful heart and a promise of continued blessing in the season before us.
If some of us hurt, please heal our hearts. If some of us are impatient, grant us and those around us patience. If we find ourselves around condescending people, fill them with kindness. Bring peace to our home and joy to our celebration.
Thank you for your blessings today and all year long,
Amen
Thanksgiving Blessings from your support team at Lifetime Adoption! During this holiday, Lifetime’s 800 line remains open for women considering adoption and adoptive couples in an active match: 1-800-923-6784. We feel that it’s vital to remain available 24/7 for women in a crisis pregnancy or unplanned pregnancy so that we can provide them with all of the info about the adoption possible.
As the Vice President (VP) of Lifetime Adoption, Heather Featherston holds an MBA and is passionate about working with those facing adoption, pregnancy, and parenting issues. Heather has conducted training for birth parent advocates, spoken to professional groups, and has appeared on television and radio to discuss the multiple aspects of adoption. She has provided one-on-one support to women and hopeful adoptive parents working through adoption decisions.
Since 2002, she has been helping pregnant women and others in crisis to learn more about adoption. Heather also trains and speaks nationwide to pregnancy clinics to effectively meet the needs of women who want to explore adoption for their child. Today, she continues to address the concerns women have about adoption and supports the needs of women who choose adoption for their child.
As a published author of the book Called to Adoption, Featherston loves to see God’s hand at work every day as she helps children and families come together through adoption.
