J-o-u-r-n-e-y ... or not?

Many of us call the adoption process a journey. I've been thinking about this for a while. What does journey mean? According to Webster's: a traveling from one place to another, usually taking a rather long time (that sounds about right). A distance, course or area traveled or suitable for traveling. Passage or progress from one stage to another (aha!).
Then I started thinking about the definition of path. Again, according to Webster's: a way beaten, formed, or trodden by the feet of persons. A narrow walk or way. A course of action, conduct or procedure: the path of righteousness.
For certain, our adoption process has been a journey, definitely down a narrow path. There have even been crossroads, points where we could have stopped, worn, weary and defeated. We are human, and we entertained the idea - but only for a split second! I want to think we were discerning, earnestly seeking the Lord's will, wanting to know for sure how He wanted us to proceed. At those points (and I can think of at least 3) He gently lifted us into His arms and carried us through the fire. We've come through the flames with a few burns, but God has strengthened us. We will never fully comprehend His 'bigness,' but He has certainly shown us a fraction of it!

I would never compare myself to Job and his faithfulness or the amount of torment he endured, never. And I can only think of one time in the last few months that I asked, "Why, Lord?" With each trial, we have passed through the waters with clearer understanding, wisdom and grace. Just last week as I was crying out to God, I had a visual image of the Enemy approaching Him and pleading, "Let me test the Johnson family. Let's see how they react to my torment," and God said, "You may test them, to an extent, but know this: I have promised that I will never leave nor forsake them!" I didn't share this with anyone because I didn't want to liken myself to the Lord's servant, Job.

This morning Clayton shared his quiet time with me, and I couldn't help but smile. He asked God for a word, and when he randomly opened his Bible, it was in Job! He read and re-read Job's trials and reminded me that we haven't endured anything like Job did, but he certainly believed this was God's word to him today. After he finished telling me about it, I shared my vision from last week. We know the trials aren't over yet ... but remember Job, the Lord restored him and his household, and He is doing the same for us!

Let the living waters flow through us, no matter the journey or path!