It's been a long week. Nothing bad. Just life. Friday at 4:15 came and this exhausted mom went and picked two tired kiddos up from daycare and headed home. Dave came in shortly after and we began discussing our plans tonight and I would be lying if I didn't admit that I had myself 95% convinced to stay home and relax with my family. I'm glad I listened to the 5% that said go.
Tonight we attended a foster parent appreciation party. Sitting down and feeding my little friend his supper, I became greatly overcome with emotion. So much, I had to pull my sunglasses down to cover my eyes and the tears that were welling up. To look around and see all of these beautiful children, knowing that they have endured more in the first few years of their life than I will have to face in my entire lifetime I was hit hard with a tremendous amount of emotion.
These kids are heroes. They are warriors. They are fighters. They are inspiring.
And for me to complain about how my life has changed and become uncomfortable at times, well, that is just plain pathetic and petty of me. Because unlike these littles, I have a strong family and a strong support system.
What I'm about to say is harsh, but I say it with a broken heart for our broken world. What is it in your life that keeps you from becoming a foster parent, or a respite provider? And if you say to me "I'd get too attached", I might smack you. Being a foster parent isn't signing your life away, it isn't forever. It can be for a season. You are needed and you have no idea how much.
Jason Johnson has some inspiring words that hit close to home........
"Stop praying about it and do it."
What's your excuse?
