This weekend, we attended the funeral of Kathryn�s cousin (also John and Tim Thomas� cousin, and Andrew and Adam�s second cousin) Ronnie Sain. Ronnie was one of those people who was loved by everyone. He was perpetually optimistic, and he loved to make people laugh. At the visitation, it seemed as if his entire hometown of Branford had come to pay their respects. All types of individuals were there, from ages 10 to 99 (literally), and every age in between.
As we were making our way through Georgia and into Florida, we read through some letters Ronnie had written to Kathryn several years ago. They were pen-pals, and Kathryn saved every letter she received from him. In some of the letters, his sense of humor showed through. For example, in one letter he wrote about a big change that was taking place in his family�s life, and that all 7 of his immediate family would be moving to Topeka, Kansas. On the back of the letter was written �April Fools!� He had apparently timed the letter to arrive on April 1st!
One of the most poignant passages he wrote was found at the end of one of his letters. Ronnie was a foster child who was later adopted, and as he reflected on his past, he made this simple statement: �I�m glad I was adopted.� His adoption had brought with it multiple blessings to his life: caring parents who taught him about God, wonderful brothers and sisters who loved him, and a church family that supported him. At the funeral, everyone shared Ronnie�s sentiment; they were glad he was adopted. His adoption brought with it multiple blessings to the lives of everyone there: a devoted family member who was always ready to help, a concerned friend who was always willing to listen, and a positive classmate who could always put a smile on your face.
Beyond the surface level, I believe Ronnie�s statement has a deeper meaning. Ronnie lived a faithful life of Christian service, preaching often for congregations in north-west Florida and spending time helping young people grow spiritually at youth devotionals and Bible Camps. As ministers, family members, and friends remembered Ronnie�s life, his spiritual focus became readily apparent. In the New Testament, Paul describes becoming a Christian as adoption ( Ephesians 1:5, Romans 8:15). Adoption by God through Christ brings with it multiple blessings: a new life ( Romans 6:4), a new joy ( Philippians 3:1), and every spiritual blessing ( Ephesians 1:3). Ronnie had been adopted by the Sains on this earth, but he had been spiritually adopted by God through submission to His will. Everyone was glad for Ronnie�s physical adoption, but we were even more joyful in his spiritual adoption. Aren�t you glad you were adopted?