"Religion that God accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world." James 1:27
Polluted by this world. Interesting term. And interesting that I keep seeing this over. And over. And over. Lately. Yeah, yeah, yeah. We are adopting. Orphans, widows, blah blah blah. But the last part of this verse struck me today. And, it was after watching a video (yes I will share it with you at the bottom of the post!). And it opened my eyes. Ironically, after a very in depth conversation about the exact same thing with Clay last night. Gotta love how God works when HE is trying to tell us something, right! ;) I guess I should tell you a bit about the conversation. It started because our 10 year anniversary is coming up in a couple of weeks. 10 years. That's kind of a big deal these days....pretty sad, but it is. So, I remember for oh, like the past 9 years saying that for our 10 year anniversary we would go on a Mediterranean Cruise to Greece and Italy. That was always the plan. Well, we all know what has happened to OUR plans lately. Out the window. So, we are opting to take a 24 hr trip to Austin and stay at a hotel that we found on Priceline for cheap, then go out to Vintage Villas where we got married and make a date of it. Not quite a 14 day cruise. And, then he leaves for Hawaii the next week for a conference at work. And am I going with him? Nope. Why? Well. We have 5 (4 round trip and 1 one way - praise God for that ONE WAY ticket!!! Whoohoo!) international airplane tickets we will be paying for in the next year so, that isn't exactly in the cards for us right now. And, I am just going to be honest. Because, well, I am already being told we are crazy for adopting, so since you already think I am a nut job, what do I care. So, in all honesty, I was upset that I was not going to Hawaii too. I mean, wouldn't you be? So, that has been going on in the Richey family. No fighting ....just discussions. And last night we were discussing the WHY of things. WHY do we, as Americans, want more. Why do we want to drive the Lexus instead of the Toyota. Why do women want a $400 purse? Why do I feel sorry for myself that I gave up pedicures every month since we started this adoption...and now I only get 2 a year. Why do I feel sorry for myself that we typically only eat out once a week since the adoption started. Why do I feel like buying a new dress will make me feel pretty. Why do I want to get chemical peels and facials and get rid of my "pregnancy spots" on my face? The list goes on. But, basically, I have come to the conclusion of all of this. Because I have been POLLUTED. Polluted by this world. Pretty sad. I guess it's something else I can blame my parents for. Totally kidding Mom. Hahaha! But, I would have to say that oh, probably 99% of Americans think this way. They want MORE. After all...it IS the American Dream. But, lately, I just don't care. Ok. I still care. But, I am TRYING not to. I told Clay recently, I just want to move away. Get out of this bubble we live in and go make a difference in the world. And, what are we teaching our kids? Anyways, just some thoughts I have been having. Wondering if anyone else thinks of this stuff. But. I wanted to share this video. It'll make you think. If it doesn't, may God have mercy on your soul. Kidding. Maybe.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8mVI-jDbtUI&feature=youtu.be
Oh...adoption news....NONE. Still waiting. Hope to submit our dossier soon. But, I have been saying that for a while now. Ugh. Waiting on one last set of fingerprints to get approved and then we can submit. And then it's more waiting. :) Growing patience is something I am getting pretty good at these days. And resting in knowing God's perfect timing is better than any plan I could make! Praying for our sweet boy. Oh...and BTW.....might be a name change. I just can't get used to "Nate". I am calling him "Matthew" again....I think we will know his name once we actually get to meet him. You can call him what you want. I will know who you are talking about. ;)
