we're here, fostering this little girl, 3 weeks in to a journey without a clear timeframe for an end. It could end tomorrow or months from now. But it's just long enough to reevaluate what's really important. What must we give this little life in the time she's with us? And for that matter, what things are important for my own kids in the short time I have them? Cuz the truth is, that could end tomorrow as well. We are only promised today. So what is really important?
1) A safe place to sleep and play.
Or at least safe and comforting arms to run into when they fall down or have nightmares.
Or at least safe and comforting arms to run into when they fall down or have nightmares.
2) Food. Always with the food. Lots and lots of food. Healthy meals and not so healthy ones. Hearty ones and snacks. Vitamins of the veggies and the sweetness of dessert. They need both.
3) Clothing. Protection from their nakedness and from the elements. And this has to be replaced often based on how well they consume #2.
4) Boundaries. And appropriate discipline to hold those boundaries in place. They need to know they have purpose and that we want them close even though they desire to wander.
5) Affection. Hugs and kisses and tickles and fist bumps and high fives and smiles and kind words and then some more. And then again. A flood of it even. These little sponges can never soak in enough of this, but the more they soak in, the more they can squeeze out onto others.
6) Someone to listen. Someone to listen first and attentively and like the story they have to tell matters.
7) A Hand to Hold. Whether to cross the street or to face a fear, they need to know they're not alone.
And then this also got me thinking. This is what we ALL need, on a physical and spiritual level. All of it. And this is who Jesus is for us. All of it!
Thank you Jesus for the promise of Psalm 23. You are our Perfect Shepherd, and a Good Father!!!
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