In 2001, we set out to adopt a little Russian girl. We were scared, and our fright was heightened when we met our 8lb….11 month old. She was glassy-eyed and silent for our first 24 hours together, but things changed dramatically. About 12 hours before we boarded our Aeroflot-can in the sky trip home, we learned the little Russian had lungs. In fact everyone within a ½ mile of this new Nelson family learned it quite well. She was inconsolable and was the aeronautical disturbance that you are not warned about, but often disconcerted by while flying. Soon after take off, our Russian flight attendant came to our aisle, and literally grabbed her out of Pat’s arms. We were alarmed and shocked, and although the seat belt sign was still on, Pat got up and followed the brazen flight attendant and screaming tiny Russian down the aisle. With gestures, tears and smiles and loads of confidence, the flight attendant communicated that she was trying to soothe the baby. She knew the language that M2 was used to hearing. She knew that she could communicate to our child in a way we didn’t understand.
Lately, I have found my self (figuratively) screaming and crying, because I don’t understand. Life continues to take all of us out of a world that we have grown used to and thrust new and foreign experiences and people on us that freak us out. I totally identify with my tiny screaming Russian, because I’m so quick to forget that what I am in the middle of is actually a GREAT thing. I have to trust that the Father who adopted me, loves me and has so much He wants to show me and bless me with. I also know that when I am distraught or scared, I have an “attendant” who knows what I need. My helper, the Holy Spirit, speaks the language and intercedes for me. He groans for me, encourages me and when I don’t even know how to pray, takes up my case for me. Dear friends, we are family. We have been adopted by the best father ever, and no matter how confusing or scary life seems to be, we have hope and a holy adversary who understands our hurt, grabs us up, embraces us and speaks the very language we need to hear. Be comforted as you listen to His voice.
Likewise the Spirit helps us in weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words.” Romans 8:26 (NKJV)