Do The Next Thing

Here we are in month 18 of our wait and number 14 on the waitlist. 

** Let's all pause here to celebrate how exciting it is to be in the top 15.**

COVID is here and looking like it's not going away anytime soon. The effects of a global pandemic on the adoption process are still kind of unknown. We know that it has slowed down the process and that it's been hard on waiting families like us, the vulnerable women seeking services, and the staff working so hard to build families. This special community of people is heavy on my heart. I hope you'll join me in covering us all in a lot of prayer for patience, grace, strength, and creativity. 

Reaching the 18th month is a milestone for us. In the pre-COVID world, 18 months was the average wait time for families looking for a match. In the middle of the COVID world, it's all out the window. Even so, we are seeing progress and the process is working as it should. It's been easy to get discouraged. It's been easy to feel stuck and like there's nothing more to do. But over and over the same poem keeps finding its way back to me telling me to do the next thing. Waiting isn't fun. Time doesn't fly. But I can do the next thing. We will continue to get through this wait one day at a time until the next thing to do is to celebrate. 

 Do the Next Thing

From an old English parsonage down by the sea

There came in the twilight a message for me;

Its quaint Saxon legend, deeply engraven,

Hath, as it seems to me, teaching from Heaven.

And on through the hours the quiet words ring,

Like a low inspiration: DO THE NEXT THING.

Many a questioning, many a fear,

Many a doubt, hath its quieting here.

Moment by moment let down from Heaven,

Time, opportunity, guidance, are given.

Fear not tomorrows, Child of the King,

Trust them with Jesus. DO THE NEXT THING.

Do it immediately; do it with prayer;

Do it reliantly, casting all care;

Do it with reverence, tracing His hand

Who placed it before thee with earnest command,

Stayed on Omnipotence, safe ‘neath His wing,

Leave all resultings. DO THE NEXT THING.

Looking to Jesus, ever serener,

(Working or suffering) be thy demeanor.

In His dear presence, the rest of His calm,

The light of His countenance be thy psalm.

Strong in His faithfulness, praise and sing!

Then, as He beckons thee, DO THE NEXT THING.

(source unknown)