You Only Live Once

April 17, 2014 birthmark, hemangioma, Kayla 4 Comments

Sometimes I think people think too much.

My husband and I, on the other hand, tend to err on the side of reckless. But I have to say that in our 12 years, reckless has served us well. Our very nuptials were hasty. We jumped into love like a kid into cold water. We got a green light from God and we stepped on the gas, pedal to the metal, ending up living in East Asia with three biological boys, a theological PhD, a finished novel, and most precious of all, an adopted Chinese daughter with a special need.

Did we think through all of those things before we committed to them? Sure we did. Did we think and think and think until our brains went numb? No we did not. And because we did not, our lives are full to bursting, and marked with joy.

I’ve seen dating couples deliberate and contemplate marriage like it’s deciding whether to go to war. It saddens me. I look into the faces of friends in their 30s and 40s, who years ago traded their dreams for stability, and I just want to shake them and say, “Hey! You only live once!”

Which brings me to the topic of adoption. Yes, it’s a big deal. Yes, it’s a huge step that affects everyone. And for that reason, I would advise you to think it through. But I caution you not to think it away.

Because there are too many orphans in the world, and more personally, there are too many glorious moments waiting for you and your child.

My mom always said, “We usually regret the things we don’t do.” She raised me well.

bnwhands





4 responses to “You Only Live Once”

  1. Amy says:

    Amen, Kayla!
    Amy
    (fellow Gotcha Day-er in August 2011)

  2. So much truth! We’ve been a bit reckless (at times) and people think we are crazy but those have been the best times of our life, honestly. Can’t wait for those glorious moments with our daughter!

  3. Jennifer says:

    I love this! Living a “reckless” life has brought us much unexpected joy. YOLO!!!

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