He has me wrapped around his little chubby finger.

Those eyes.

Those cheeks.

That smile.

I love to just stare at him and take in all the details of this amazing little creation.  He is a masterpiece.

I was thinking the other day (as I often do) about his birth family.  It thrills me that he is ours, but it makes me sad sometimes to think about what his birth family is missing out on.  He is such a treasure, and it’s hard to believe that the people who made him don’t get to enjoy him each day.

But as I tried to comprehend the complexity of adoption, God gave me a small glimpse of what adoption really looks like.  It’s not always about neglect, abandonment, or betrayal.  Many times, it is really about LOVE.

Imagine a struggling artist.  He works and toils to create beautiful imagery that captures the eye and touches the soul.  In his small, dimly-lit apartment he covers a canvas with shades, colors and images that reflect the very core of his being.  A piece of who he is is transferred into this work of art.

When it is completed, he is filled with awe at the beauty of his own creation.  Yet he knows that his humble home is no place for a masterpiece such as this.  There is a part of him that wishes to keep the painting for himself and be able to look at it as often as he wants.  But he knows deep down that his painting is worthy of a grander display than what he can offer.

He calls museum curators and art critics to come and view his masterpiece.  They are all struck with the raw emotion that is evident in the brushstrokes and lines of his painting.  Many of them offer him a great price, but finally, he settles on one particular gentleman who seems to really grasp the meaning behind the work of art.  It doesn’t even seem possible to put a price on the artist’s labor of love, but they finally agree on an amount and the gentleman covers the canvas and, smiling, walks away.

The artist watches the gentleman until he can’t see him anymore.  Then he turns, heart heavy, and begins to clean up some remaining paints and rags that were left over from his work.  He knows he has done the right thing.  If he would have kept the painting, the conditions of his apartment would have taken their toll on its quality.  Few would have been able to see and enjoy the beauty of his masterpiece.  But where the painting was headed, it would be cared for, displayed and enjoyed the way that a true work of art should be.

He loved his creation enough to give it away.

Josiah is a masterpiece.  He is someone’s creation.  His features, personality, stature- everything about him is a reflection of the ones who made him.  He was loved enough by those who made him that they wanted something better for him.  They knew he was worthy of greater care than what they could provide.  So selflessly, they chose to share their work of art with us.  And what a humbling thought to be given such an incredible treasure.

I thank God every day that Josiah’s birth family chose to give him life.  I am thankful that we are the ones that God chose to care for that life.  I am thankful for the beautiful gift that is adoption.

And I am thankful that, because of the Master Artist, we are all a reflection of the love of our Creator.

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Heather Fallis is a wife, mother, preschool director, youth pastor, writer, musician and coffee addict. She and her husband have two biological daughters and recently adopted a son from South Korea. Heather has documented their miraculous adoption journey in hopes of inspiring and encouraging others who have dreams of adopting. You can read more at www.ourheart-n-seoul.com.