Are You Ready?
by Motte Brown on 01/08/2009 at 12:31 PM
There's a scene in Rocky III (a classic btw) that comes to mind when people ask me if I'm ready to bring four children home from Ethiopia.
Interviewer: What's your prediction for the fight?
Clubber Lang: My prediction?
Interviewer: Yes, your prediction.
[Clubber looks into camera]
Clubber Lang: Pain!
That's my prediction too, "Pain!" But I'm not worried about it. There's a certain freedom that comes when you know you're in over your head. I figure that anything that heightens your awareness of your own inadequacy is a good thing. And as time draws near for our departure, that awareness brings me to my knees where I cry out to the Lord for his strength.
I know I'll fail. I know I'll prove an unworthy father, particularly when I'm exhausted and on edge. But I also know I'll love them. I already do. And I believe Scripture's promise that love covers a multitude of sins.
So no, I'm not ready. I knew going in that I'd never be truly ready. But God will fill in the gaps of my unreadiness. That's good enough.
1. Sara said the following at 2:22 PM on Jan 8:
I can't help relating your attitude in this post to what it's like at this time of year, with New Year's, and a new set of classes...I know I often spend so much energy trying to keep whatever new project I've started perfect, and am always so disappointed when that first imperfection creeps in... When you write, "I know I'll fail", that seems like such a good starting point, to right off the bat take the focus away from the idol of perfection, and--sensibly--back onto the task itself..
But anyway congratulations to your family! that's amazing.
2. DannieA said the following at 3:19 PM on Jan 8:
I wish you the best as you leave next week to get your little ones.
3. Angie said the following at 9:30 AM on Jan 9:
Congrats!
Man, you're living my dream.
4. Jenny said the following at 11:26 AM on Jan 9:
I'm really happy for you and your new family and glad that you are willing to take on this new scary and exciting adventure. As you shared I was also reminded of the scene in Prince Caspian when Aslan asks Caspian if he is ready to be king. Caspian answers that he doesn't think he is. And Aslan replies, "If you had thought you were ready, it would have been a sign that you were not."
"Humble yourself before the Lord, and He will lift you up!"
5. Rachel said the following at 2:25 PM on Jan 9:
Congratulations!!! What a lovely family! May God bless you abundantly... indeed, He already has!
6. The G said the following at 4:34 PM on Jan 9:
This is amazing and so wonderful. May God bless you and your growing family, and may the rest of us strive to be so generous ourselves.
7. Ann said the following at 9:47 AM on Jan 12:
It is amazing to hear about your journey as God calls you to take a leap of faith. He brings such joy as we learn to be obedient. I think we can all relate in areas of our life that we treasure and want to turn our well. I am currently training to be a therapist. I am often reminded of my own inadequacies as I meet with clients. Let's just say God has brought my prayer life to a whole new level. I pray for each client and pray that God would continue to mold me and shape me both in my personal and professional life. While life is full of uncomfortable, painful situations, God is always present, reminding me of his love.
8. Fred said the following at 9:48 AM on Jan 12:
Just wanted to say...love the Rocky reference!
9. Ashley Harris said the following at 9:49 AM on Jan 12:
I'm so excited for you guys. My congregation here at home is praying this week as you bring home your new kids.
10. Rachael said the following at 11:44 AM on Jan 14:
"And I believe Scripture's promise that love covers a multitude of sins.
So no, I'm not ready. I knew going in that I'd never be truly ready. But God will fill in the gaps of my unreadiness. That's good enough."
-->I like that. I think this concept can apply to birth control and having kids as well, even though I'm probably going to be taking it (though if my husband-to-be were anti-birth control I would be ok not taking it, I think). People want to be 'ready' to have kids, but, God's good. Even if we feel 'ready' will we truly be? Even if we seem to be not ready, and if God brings a child, He can provide the strength.
I don't think we always have to evaluate our own readiness on our own terms. God can do the unimaginable. He can provide the strength. I need to remember that in my own life on non-kids related issues. I want to practically believe what I mentally believe...
congrats on your kids!