Do you remember the disciples referring to the Gospel in the book of Acts as The Way? What shall we do? Which way shall we go? This way...The Way. Isn't it refreshing to know that God's way is always the right one, and the exact direction of our lives, to be lived in love, is displayed in God's Word through the life of Jesus.
Almost five years ago, on the 2nd of October, Ezra and Emmaus arrived home from Ethiopia, accompanied by Dennis, Gabriel and Magdalene. At the age of two-and-a-half, Emmaus could speak fluent Amharic, which none of us could understand, except for the simple words meaning coffee and dog. On his first night home, instead of sleeping, he screamed. I held him and wept.
In the beginning of our adoption paperwork, when the process appeared almost impossible, Amara, our sweet friend and I saw a photo of Emmaus' beautiful, solemn face. The name on the email said Kidron, which means of darkness, sadness and obscure.
For years the name Emmaus had beckoned our hearts to the thought of another boy, even when we were in the process of adopting Zion, whose birthmother, Anna, chose us before he was born. And while we prayed over a baby girl named Ezra. (Zion is 9 months younger than Emmaus and Ezra is 6 months younger than Zion.) Each name came to our minds more than nine months before the three Littles were born. (No, there are no more names, in case you are wondering, though there was one...but that is a good story for another day.)
The road to Emmaus is the way on which Jesus walked, after his resurrection. There was no more darkness, sadness or obscurity. Jesus had risen and His followers could walk in forgiveness and the joy of transformation! It was simply the definition of each name, Kidron to Emmaus, which gave us clarity in our adoption. God would transform this toddler's life, as He had ours, and we would be given the privilege of becoming his parents.
Now, as a seven-year-old, Emmaus has written us a letter. He first slipped it into my hand asking that no one else but Daddy be allowed to read it. I have since been given permission to share it.
I share this today because God loves Emmaus, you, your dear ones, me and all His children. Sometimes our circumstances or those of others' tempt us to believe He has forgotten us, or sent this world swirling without a care. But even in darkness, we can trust and wait for His light. It is on the horizon. When our path seems sad, God will lead us through it and joy follows suffering when we stay close to Him. And the obscurity of today, our struggles, this age; they must serve to draw us closer to the One who holds our lives in His hands. We can find hope in God's way, and walk with Him along this earthly road, leading to eternity. Be encouraged. If one precious little boy, living under our roof, can have his entire life transformed by the love of Jesus, then you can trust your life to Jesus as well!
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