Bathed in Love

I promise I will have a 2-year-old post on Maggie coming soon. I'm hoping to get her pictures done next week, and then I will write a post dedicated to her.

We are continuing in this ministry of foster care. The longer the children stay, the more revelations come to light. As difficult as some days can be for the girl, I am reminding myself to be thankful that I can speak into her life, if just for a short period of time.

Long before our children were born, we prayed for them. We prayed for their salvation, for their physical bodies, for their future spouses just to name a few things. We loved them. From the moment our children were born, everywhere they turned, they were bathed in love.

Their Mama and Daddy love them; their aunts, uncles, cousins, grandparents and great-grandparents love them. People at church love them; old women in the grocery store love them. And most importantly, they have always heard that Jesus loves them The love was unconditional. Sure, they disobeyed and had to be disciplined, but they always knew that they were loved.

Can you imagine living your first (almost) 4 years without that kind of love? Of course you would be skeptical of a new person in your life. Of course you would treat them with disrespect. If all you have ever heard are sarcastic words, and rude behavior, what would you be like?

Children are excellent parrots. I remember the first time I heard Anne repeat something I had said to her out of frustration. It didn't sound very nice coming out of a 2-year-old's mouth, but I'm sure she repeated what I said with surprising accuracy.

I am seeing some fruit of the love and dedication I have poured into our girls - especially Annie and Abbey. When the girl is rude, they are not rude back. When she uses harsh words, they do not counter with more harsh words. Yes, I'm sure they are what most of you would consider sheltered. I have been very proud of the way they are persevering, being kind and good and having self-control. Unfortunately Maggie is having a rough time with the girl. Maggie is smaller and the girl knows just which buttons to push. In the girl's defense, Maggie has quickly learned what to say to upset the girl.

But, we are working hard to show her the love of Christ. An unconditional love that is completely foreign to her. I am thankful for the patience that the Holy Spirit has filled me with this past week. It should probably become my daily prayer as I rise each morning.

Lord, grant me patience, help me to show grace and experience grace. Fill me with your Holy Spirit as I minister to these five beautiful children. Thank you, Lord, for your forgiveness. Amen.