Adopted

Recognizing that this school year would be a challenging one for teachers, a group of Katy ISD supporters came up with the idea of giving teachers the opportunity to be adopted for the 2020-2021 school year.  If they wanted to participate, the person posted a paragraph of where they would be teaching, what grade level, their subject, how long they had been teaching, and other important information.  Most also included pictures of their family, interests, and teaching in action.  It was interesting to see and read the requests for adoption.  Some selected a teacher, to adopt, that they already knew while others chose someone new to them.  What a thrill to see a request come through when someone had been chosen and the word “ADOPTED” appeared by their name.

The adopters sprang into action.  Supply wish list items were gathered, gift cards were given, some had envelopes to be opened on each day of the first week with an encouraging note, flowers were sent, and goodie bags arrived.  Teachers have also had meals delivered to their homes.  It has been exciting to see the creative ways people are reaching out to bless and encourage teachers in these days and to remind them that they are not alone.  Much joy and appreciation are being expressed by the teachers.  Although the program has been initiated for a year, it would be great if the ongoing encouragement, gifts, supplies, and help for adopted teachers would become a Katy ISD tradition.

Whereas Katy ISD teachers have been given the opportunity to be adopted for a school year, God offers an invitation for each one of us to be adopted for eternity.  When one chooses to place their faith in Jesus as their Lord and Savior, they become a child of God, co-heirs with Jesus, forever.  Without even having to fill in a questionnaire, God meets needs and reminds us that we are never alone.  And with much gratitude, that relationship and encouragement should spill over into our every thought, action, reaction, word, and deed. 

For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God. The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by him we cry, “Abba, Father.” The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children. Now if we are children, then we are heirs – heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory.

Romans 8:14-17

But when the set time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those under the law, that we might receive adoption to sonship. Because you are his sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, “Abba, Father.” So you are no longer a slave, but God’s child; and since you are his child, God has made you also an heir.

Galatians 4:4-7 4:4-7