I know my son. I spend the majority of my days with him and he is awesome! I know what books he likes to read, and what shows he enjoys watching. I know the songs he likes to sing and the animals he likes to imitate. I know what letters, numbers, shapes and colors he can identify. I know when he’s ready to eat, when he wants to play ball and when it’s time for bed. This list can go on and on. I feel like I know Henry inside and out, but I certainly do not know him completely.
In an effort to know him more, Rachel and I are submitting his DNA sample to ancestry.com. Being adopted, we do not know his ancestral background, but we want to know. We want to know because we love him. We want to know because we want to celebrate him. We want to know so that one day, he can know. We want to know because, knowing someone and being known by someone is an incredibly beautiful and powerful thing.
In John 10, Jesus illustrates his relationship to his followers as a shepherd to his sheep. Verse 14 says that He knows his sheep. And his knowledge is not limited to behaviors, abilities and ancestors. He knows fully and completely. Him knowing Henry is infinitely more important and beneficial than us knowing Henry. He knows and will know Henry’s flaws and fears. He knows his joys and aspirations. He knows his pain and shame. He knows his thoughts and he knows the depths of his heart. Our prayer is that Henry will hear the good shepherd’s voice and follow Jesus – the giver of abundant life.