Today's Joy

Hello, friends! I have officially been a foster mom for three days, and what I have to say will be no surprise: I am EXHAUSTED. But happy! There's a lot I could say and a lot I'm not allowed to say. But here's what I want to say tonight.

I was a little worried about how my child would fit in at church. I know very well that kids can be cruel, especially when a child is kind of out there - so I was worried. I didn't know if she would fit in or if the other kids would let her fit in.

After Midweek this afternoon, my worries about that particular issue are GONE.

Several of the kids went up and introduced themselves without me having to suggest it. They were all playing together like they'd known each other for ages. One girl insisted that she sit next to her during opening. My child sat in on my confirmation class, and while my class was as wild as they usually are, they were unfailingly polite and kind to her.

Some of you know that I've been doing research on Christian community. This is it, guys. I have never witnessed a show of Christian community like I did today. Because I made an announcement that I was becoming a foster mother during church, I think the majority of kids knew that my child was in foster care - and instead of letting that knowledge cloud their view of her, they welcomed her into their group as openly and warmly as I've ever seen.

I'm not sure how to end this, because I'm so joyful I might cry. So I'll just end with this: say a prayer of thanksgiving tonight for my wonderful Midweek children. :)

Excuses

Hello, friends! I have a few thoughts for you on my foster parenting situation.

• I can't be a foster parent because I'm young.
• I can't be a foster parent because I'm single.
• I can't be a foster parent because I don't make enough money.
• I can't be a foster parent because I've never done this before.
• I can't be a foster parent because I won't be able to handle it.

You could also change up the wording on that list a bit.

• I shouldn't be a foster parent because I'm young.
• I shouldn't be a foster parent because I'm single.
• I shouldn't be a foster parent because I don't make enough money.
• I shouldn't be a foster parent because I've never done this before.
• I shouldn't be a foster parent because I won't be able to handle it.

Here's how I prefer to word it, though.

• I can, and I should, be a foster parent because I'm young. People under 25 don't become foster parents very often, but that doesn't mean it's bad or wrong. It's not about your age. It's about your dedication.
• I can, and I should, be a foster parent because I'm single. If I had the option, I would much prefer to be married and foster children with my spouse. However, that doesn't mean I can't help kids in this way now.
• I can, and I should, be a foster parent because I don't make enough money. God has given me what I have, and He intends for me to use it to His glory. Helping kids certainly qualifies for that more than many other options.
• I can, and I should, be a foster parent because I've never done this before. No one who becomes a parent for the first time has ever done it before, but they do it anyway. This is no different.
• I can, and I should, be a foster parent because I won't be able to handle it. I'm new at this. I'm going to make mistakes. Maybe it won't work out, but why should that stop me from trying?

I could use these excuses for almost anything. I shouldn't be a DCE because I won't be able to handle it. I can't donate to worthy causes because I don't make enough money. I could go on.

These are not excuses that are specific to me. All of us can apply these or similar excuses to every opportunity we have to do good in this world. It's time to stop making excuses and start making a difference. That difference might not look big. It might be as simple as donating diapers to a pregnancy center or driving an elderly person to the grocery store. But let me tell you - small differences have a domino effect. Already, before a foster child has even come into my home, my church is buzzing about foster care. They all want to know how they can help. It's my hope that, by taking in a foster child myself, I will inspire others to do the same. That's what it's all about - making a small difference that creates a big difference. So let's stop making those excuses and get out there.