Foster the FamilySample

Day One

No Pretty Packages

Scripture: Psalm 119:105; 2 Corinthians 1:3; 2 Timothy 3:16-17

When I became a foster parent seven years ago, I never could have known how it would take over every part of my life. We were going to try this thing out, see how it went. Twenty-five kids of various ages, two adoptions, and an array of medical needs, behavioral issues, and circumstances later, I’d say we’re pretty much in it for life.

Being a foster parent means that nothing makes sense anymore. It means we can no longer sort thoughts and feelings into wrapped-up, pretty packages. It means spending much of our life confused and conflicted and overwhelmed. Half the time we don’t know what we want. Most of the time even our prayers are perplexed. We regularly wade through the depths of opposing experiences.

It’s all so much, I just want someone to tell me, “Here’s how you should think. Here’s how you should feel. Here’s what you should do. Now, go on; you’ve got this.” It may still be hard, but at least I would know what I was doing.

But there’s no handbook for foster parenting, maybe because no two children, parents, cases, workers, judges, plans, outcomes, behaviors, diagnoses, emotions, challenges, or overall experiences are the same. Probably because none of us know what we’re doing enough to write one.

But God is kind. He has given us a handbook for life: His very words in Scripture. Thank the Lord, the Bible is more than a how-to manual, more than a list of rules and expectations. It’s a map. And not one primarily for our journey through this life, but one outlining His journey to us. It’s one beautiful plot, woven by God in eternity past and touching the moments of our present days.

I’ve never found the words foster care in the Bible, but I have found rich truths about God and humans, family and children, sacrifice and trust, forgiveness and love. Foster care is throughout the Bible. God speaking to us, commanding and encouraging, teaching and comforting. God’s Word speaks to every part of life. Even the parts where it—seemingly—doesn’t.

Lord, I so often want to find a Bible verse speaking to my exact circumstances, especially when it comes to this world of foster care. But you offer more. You offer Yourself. Your promises. Your truths. Help me to turn to Your Word and listen to Your voice. Amen.