ADOPTION!

I became an Ohioan the other day. Just for a day, though. June 14, 2011.

Here’s the official text making me one of the sons of the “Buckeye State,” “The Mother of Presidents, “Birthplace of Aviation,” “The Heart of It All,” etc.

WHEREAS, the Dallas Mavericks won their first ever National Basketball Association championship, emerging victorious with a 105–95 victory in Game 6; and

WHEREAS, the Dallas Mavericks displayed the loyalty, integrity and teamwork essential to victory before the entire country, affirming that these admirable traits are as crucial as talent and athleticism [Amen!]; and

WHEREAS, NBA Finals Most Valuable Player Dirk Nowitzki chose to re-sign with the Dallas Mavericks in the summer of 2010, forgoing free agency and keeping his talents in Dallas [Ouch! I feel for “King James” (LeBron)], thus remaining loyal to the team, city and fans for whom he played his entire career [OOOUUUCCCHHH!!!]; and

WHEREAS, the proud city of Cleveland and the entire state of Ohio share in the excitement of Dallas Mavericks fans everywhere.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, John R. Kasich, Governor of the State of Ohio, do hereby name the DALLAS MAVERICKS organization, friends, family and fans [Yup, that’s me!] as honorary Ohioans, with all privileges and honors therein, for the day of June 14, 2011.

On this 13^th day of June, 2011                        [Ye olde seal of OH]

John R. Kasich

Governor

Less than 24 hours after the Mavericks’ victory came Kasich’s citation, loaded with jabs at NBA all-star LeBron James, who abandoned his Cleveland Cavaliers team last year to play with Miami Heat, in a move that forever soured James’ relationship with pretty much everyone in Ohio. Cavaliers fans still hurting from the snub dubbed our Mavs “Mavaliers” and “Cavericks” during the NBA Finals. Gov. Kasich added that “the proud city of Cleveland and the entire state of Ohio share in the excitement of Dallas Mavericks fans everywhere.” Nope, Ohioans won’t forgive or forget! (James’ reaction: “Get a life!”)

Anyhow, I spent all of June 14, basking in my good fortune of being an Ohioan and musing about how I would take advantage of those “privileges and honors” afforded to me. But by the time I finished musing, June 14 was history, and I was no longer an adopted son of Ohio. Oh, well! Didn’t do me much good.

But there is one adoption I’ve been through that has. A lot of good! Forever!

For you have not received a spirit of slavery

… but you have received

a spirit of adoption as sons

by which we cry out, “Abba! Father!”

The Spirit Himself testifies …

that we are children of God,

and if children, heirs also,

heirs of God and

fellow heirs with Christ.

Romans 8:15–17

Indeed, adopted into the family of God. All because of Jesus Christ.

But when

the fullness of the time came,

God sent forth His Son,

born of a woman, …

so that … we might receive

the adoption as sons.

Galatians 4:4–5

He paid for my sins and yours. And all who place their trust in Jesus Christ, God incarnate, as their Savior, are so adopted into the family of God, as children of God.

But as many as received Him,

to them He gave the right

to become children of God,

even to those who believe in His name.

John 1:12

And this “privilege and honor” will be ours forever.

Amazing grace! Wonderful love!

See how great a love

the Father has bestowed on us,

that we would be called

children of God.

1 John 3:1

Not just for a day. But forever!