Love is a Choice

You may have already heard this by now, but if you haven't, November is National Adoption Month.  As someone who was given the gift of adoption as a young child, and who also has friends who are currently in the adoption process, adoption is a subject that is very close to my heart.  While on the surface, adoption may look or feel a whole lot different than having a biological child, it's actually not.  

To me, adoption comes down to one simple choice:  Love.  

When I was eleven months old, my sweet family took me into their home.  No, I did not share my mom's pretty, olive skin.  Nor did I share my brother's tall height, or my sister's wavy hair, or my dad's green eyes.  Quite frankly, I didn't even share their blood.  

But here's what I often wonder:  Is blood what really equals love?

You see, as a mom, I love my children; and when they make a poor choice, I choose to love them still.

As a wife, I love my husband; and when we drive each other crazy, I choose to love him still.

As a sibling, I love my brother and sister; and we disappoint each other, I choose to love them still.

As a daughter, I love my parents; and when we disagree, I choose to love them still.  

As a teacher, I love my students; and when we have a difficult day in the classroom, I choose to love them still.
   

And if I don't do all of these things out of blood alone, then why do I do them?

Well......

It's because love is a conscious choice that I must make on a daily basis.  

While love may come natural with those who you are around most, it's only lasting if you choose it to be, and it's true power is only magnified when both sides come to the same decision. 

Recently, Rowan had to "go to the corner" for hitting his brother.  After his time out had finished, we hugged and he asked, "Are you happy now, Mommy?" My first reaction was one of guilt.  I felt awful that he knew he had disappointed me, and he was worried that I would still be upset.  Of course, I told him that even though his choice made me sad, I still love him.  I will always choose to love him, even when he makes mistakes, and I pray that he will choose to love me in return.  
   
After all, I'm certainly not perfect, and sometimes I make poor decisions that flat out disappoint the Lord above.  But do you know what's really amazing?  

God chooses to love me anyway.  

In fact, He even gives me a choice to love Him in return.  And do you know when I feel truly happy?  When my heart is full and my life is well?  

When I choose to love Him back.  

So today, during this month of adoption and thanksgiving, I encourage you, whether it be your child, your parent, your spouse, or your friend, remember that love is a choice.  Remember that even when you don't deserve it, you receive it, and remember that you'll add more to this world when you choose to give it in return.  

One day, I pray that my own family is called to adopt, and if we are, we will choose love.