Sometimes motherhood is planned – each detail written and played in time and tune…the notes of a magnificent symphony.  Other times it comes by surprise –  a door opening..suddenly forcing you to jump uncontrollably, rushing to answer.  Motherhood can come unexpectedly…and in ways we might never imagine.

I think most often the call to motherhood is whispered to us in the secret place where our outward displays of success and accomplishment mean nothing. It’s here that we find ourselves bare and are confronted with a primal desire to nurture and care for, to give selflessly and to love on a level never known. No matter how you experience it the call is undeniable.  ” I want to be a mother.”

For many the “I want to” turns into “I will be”.  There is no set time for this process to take place… each woman walks her own path. Yet, arrival at this point is crucial. Because the woman who identifies this clarification of desire will fight for motherhood with a renewed purpose. Fighting a battle when victory is assured gives you the clarity you need to keep pushing when obstacles come your way or when you simply get tired.  No longer stuck on an image of “the perfect”or “the traditional” – you are free to explore your options. Motherhood will find you because you’ve opened your heart to receive and believe for an unplanned, unexplained miracle.

I’ve been thinking and reading about Mary and considering, her beautifully unplanned story. On basically the eve of her wedding, betrothed to another, she finds out that she will be a mother. Unexpectedly. Joseph is not her baby’s father. This was not her plan.
So I’m thinking about you today…certainly the young unwed mothers, but particularly the potential adoptive mothers.

You’re on the fence because you aren’t sure if adoption is right for you. You’re worried because this is not the way you imagined it would be. You’re even worried that by considering adoption you are casting a big fat negative on your dream of giving birth. Yet, motherhood calls. You hear it. This call will have you travel half way across the world to meet the child of your spirit. You hear it. Will you answer?

A few things stand out about Mary’s story for me…particularly when viewed through the lens of a prospective adoptive parent.

1. Abolish fear. You’ll have to take steps to release fear. Adoption is a faith move. Period. Luke 1: 29-30

2. Though unexpected, your prospective status is no true surprise.  He’s nudged you gently about this, telling you about His plan through the tugging of your heart- speaking clearly to you through prayer and prophetic words. Luke 1: 31-33

3. You want to know….EVERYTHING, the hows of your situation freezing you in a period of inactivity. Don’ get lost here. As with any baby there will be a period of gestation. You will labor. But if you can move past the distraction of details you’ll be rewarded with supernatural trust as you watch Him dot every “i” and cross every “t”. You’ll have to trust while doing your part in the natural. His word is a sure thing. Rest in that.
Luke 1: 34-35

4.  He goes on to assure you of His power and closes the deal by reminding you of another satisfied customer. He is in the business of performing miracles. He’s done it once..He’ll do it again.  Luke 1: 36-37

And finally…

5. Obey. There’s power in obedience…there’s power in submission…be it unto me according to your word. If we could only apply this phrase practically to our everyday lives. Whatever you say Lord? The expanse of this concept challenges us to see our lives through  His eyes. Only then will we connect with His vision, rest in His power and take advantage of the grace that’s applied to our lives through obedience. Luke 1:38

After four years of infertility my “I want to” became an “I will be”.  I began the adoption process and a year later met the child brought forth through my tears and dreams – my hearts longing made manifest in the reality of a baby…my baby. The collision of my destiny with a woman I didn’t know, who was simultaneously  experiencing the crisis of the unplanned – happened. The unexpected became a miracle.  For us both.

If you’ve been thinking about adoption I urge you to take that first step. Attend an orientation or information meeting at an adoption agency. Reach out to me if you have questions. Do your research and walk out in faith. Adoption isn’t for everyone but when it’s for you….you know. You’ve been called.

My joy is to serve.  I am passionate about marriage,motherhood, nutrition and my Christian faith. I love to share how the Lord worked in my life through infertility and adoption and I blog passionately about this experience atwww.seespeakhearmama.com. In other travels I’ve been a ballet dancer and clothing designer, but now, I am a homeschooling mama to 4 children in NYC.  Motherhood beautifully consumes my life. You may be in process of living or reaching for your own miracle.  I’d be honored to walk, wait and believe with you.  Feel free to share your dreams,struggles,concerns and delights.  I pray you’ll find encouragement, inspiration – a fellow warrior and friend to share the journey – leading you always…..to hope.

This guest post is a part of Motherhood Is along with On Becoming a Mother….because Motherhood should be celebrated more than once a year.

Please do not reprint any portion of these posts without prior written permission. Thank you.(c) Copyright Lisha Epperson, 2011-13