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When the Judge Smiles

At 8:00 I arrived at the court house, by invitation of friends who were completing the adoption of two children.

The last time I was in that room it was to watch a divorce finalize. Everything broken walks in those doors. How wearisome it must be to put on the robe and sit behind the bench every day, hearing sad stories about families that should have been whole. Kids who should have been happy. Wives who should have been loved. Husbands who should have been respected.

But yesterday the judge said it once and then again, This is a good day.

What makes a judge smile? -christyfitzwater.com

Requesting the confirmation that yes, this man and wife want to be the parents of these two children.

Saying out loud the new names of the children.Ā This is who you will be now.

Telling the room full of family and friends that now is the time to clap.Ā I pronounce you ā€“a family.Ā 

I gulped down tears when he gladly came down from the bench for a picture with the family.

This is a good day.Ā 

Maybe God got tired of ruling on the brokenness, too. And thus the great adoption.

ā€œHow great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God!Ā  And that is what we are!ā€Ā  (1 John 3:1Ā  NIV)

You can clap now.

2 Comments

  1. I love all of your writings but this is by far my favorite!

    1. Thanks, Carol. I think seeing that adoption take place is one of the most moving events I’ve ever witnessed. I could never have the words to describe the joy that was in the courtroom. Love you!

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