I've been working on our youth ministry curriculum for the coming year and structuring a lot off of a talk I came across a while ago (check out Ben Kerns of Average Youth Ministry speaking on Post-Christian Discipleship). He talks about the the value of using the language of family and adoption as we communicate the Gospel to today's students.

As I've been thinking through this, I think it just really occurred to me what it means to be taken in as part God's family. We are children and he is our heavenly father.

I know... This shouldn't be particularly profound for someone who has be hearing this for over 25 years. But this reality just struck a new chord with me, and the implications are occurring to me in a new way. I feel silly admitting this, but I suppose it's natural to have a familiar concept strike you in a different way from time to time.

How amazing though! When someone is adopted into a family they become a full-member of that family, privy to all of the privileges and care of the family. In addition, when a child is adopted they are exposed to the traditions, values, celebrations, and grieving. I'm reminded of one of the greatest scenes in the show Parenthood. (Spoiler Alert!)

I wish Max would let me play with his lizard...

May I be someone who lives into the values of God's family. May I consistently recognize the love that I am surrounded by and always remember the grace I have been shown. And may that spill out into every action and interaction...