Fostering HopeНамуна

BLOODSUCKERS

I would guess she was early 20's, although the fatigue in her face made her look a little older. Growing up in foster care had certainly not preserved her youth. She sat quietly, watching the toddler explore every corner of the room. 'Is parenting getting easier?' I wondered. She nodded, and responded that they were in a pretty good place, past infancy but not quite to the terrible 2's and 3's. She enjoyed him - that was apparent. 'You have a place to live?' Yes. 'Enough food?' Yes again. 'Friends your own age?' Hesitation, then no. 'Why?' I asked. 'They all want something from me, you know? Something I'm not willing to give. Drugs. Sex. Money. You name it. The people I know who are my age are a bunch of parasites.'

The impact of her statement silenced me, and my mind raced to evaluate my own friendships. How valuable it was to have people my own age around me, who simply wanted to share conversations about raising kids, or maintaining a marriage, or shouldering the responsibilities of life. Friends on whom I could call for help without the expectation of 'payment' for their favor. What value can be placed on unconditional love? On unconditional friendship? On offering to weave your life together with someone else's simply because you are both human, rather than because they can do something for you. Want to be the hands and feet of Christ? Start by finding someone who needs a friend and losing yourself, your interests, your expectations. Start by falling in love with others.