Fostering Hopeনমুনা

SOMEONE ELSE'S CHILD

He was a big man, with a full beard and broad shoulders and calloused hands that looked like they knew a good days work. He didn't say much, just listened to my questions and nodded as his wife supplied the answers. 'We think he was born on time, and he seems pretty healthy, but we don't know much else. We heard that his mom was very young, and that she wasn't in a very good position to take care of him.' This baby was lucky, moving from the hospital straight to their home. I knew that a half dozen other babies were lying at the foster shelter as we spoke, waiting for a place to go.

He edged closer to the table, watching my every move as I examined the infant, as if he were concerned I might miss something or be too rough. Only when the boy was wrapped snug in a blanket and tucked safely in his wife's arms did he relax a little. 'How long have you been foster parents?' I asked. 'Four years,' he replied. 'Seven kids and I miss them all. I wonder what they will grow up to be. If somehow I was able to have an impact on them. Never knew I could love someone else's child like that.' It is a special thing to be a dad. But it is a divine calling to be the dad of someone else's child. A holy opportunity. Are you up for it?

PRAYER FOR FOSTER FAMILIES: Father, bless those families who have selflessly stepped out on faith and followed your Biblical commands to care for someone else's child. May these children grow and prosper while in their care. Amen.