Day… I Don’t Know- In the last couple of days, I have gotten off track on posting every day about what I am thankful for in my life, so I don’t know what day I am on.  But, that does not change the fact that I am grateful for Rebekkah’s family in my life.

Let me take you back to what I consider a defining moment in my relationship with her father.  It was the day of the rehearsal.  The Bride was there.  The wedding party was there and of course, Rebekkah’s parents were there.  In fact, Rebekkah’s dad was the officiant.  I was there, but I was tired, frustrated and probably a little scared. Her dad was walking us all through the wedding and I was getting antsy.  I got upset and told him to forget all that let’s walk through cause this is not helping me.  I kept it up for a few minutes.  Okay, it was longer than a few minutes.

Finally, my father-in-law had enough.  He stopped the rehearsal.  Looked me in straight in the eye and said in a stern tone, “You are going to be one my boys, so I am going to talk you like you are my son.  Cut it out! We will get to the walkthrough and it will all make sense.  Now, do what I  ask and keep the comments to yourself.”  Now I don’t know if that was a word for word quote but that was the essence of it.

In the last 22 1/2 years, her dad has done just that; he has treated me like a son.  Not a son-in-law, but a son.  I am grateful for that.  You see my mom and dad had me when dad was in his early 40’s and mom was in her mid 30’s.  My dad is now 88; will be 89 in March.  My dad is old enough to be Rebeakkh’s dad’s dad.  Rebekkah’s grandpa is only a couple year older than my dad.  Now, I love my dad and nobody will be able to replace him but I know that I have someone in my family that can and will step up to be a new father figure in my life when something happens to my dad.  In fact, Rebekkah’s dad already has done just that.  He has adopted me into his family.  I am now his son just as much as his two biological sons are.

Rebekkah’s dad is not the only one that has adopted me into his family.  God the Father has adopted me into his family as well. I am not worthy to be in this family.  There is nothing that I can do that would make my way into his family.  By God’s grace, he invited me into the family by the power of the Holy Spirit.  I accepted the invitation when I asked Christ to save me.

Maybe you have not had a great set of parents?  Maybe your parents are already gone?  Maybe your mom and dad don’t like you?  I am here to tell you that God is waiting and wanting to adopt you into the family of God.  All you have to do is accept his invitation.  He is asking you today.  “Are you ready to have your sins forgiven?  Are you ready to have the bondage that you are in broken in your life?  Are you ready to have the rights and priviligle to be called a daughter or son of the Most High God?  If you said, “yes” please pray this prayer with me.

Dear God,

I am a sinner.  I have sinned against you and I need your forgiveness. I need to be adopted into the family of God and become your child.  I believe that Jesus is the way, the truth, and life and that no one comes to God except through him.  Jesus, help me to serve you all my life starting today.  Forgive me, please.  I will do my best to be a “good” member of the family.  In Jesus Name. Amen.

If you prayed that prayer out the depths of your heart…then welcome to the family of God.  If you would like to meet some of your new brothers and sisters, I would invite you to a church in your area on Sunday.  They are not perfect, but they are family.