As my family and I have fully entered the world of Foster Care, and celebrate the 6 month time passage that we’ve had the same kid; we’re hit with the reality that certainty is highly overrated. When the kid first came to us, it was hinted that we wouldn’t have him past Easter. Then we were told it would be before school was out, then it was late July, then we were told maybe before school started in August, then now we’ve been told anywhere between October and January he will return to his mother.
The returning to his mother part is a blessing for both him and his mother; even if it brings severe heartache to my family. For that we prepare our hearts, and guard our emotions. But the part of the experience that has changed us the most is the state of uncertainty that we constantly live with. There is nothing “for sure” in the world of foster care.
The reality is though, that there is very little certainty in life apart from being a foster parent. Is this news to you? Really?
When I read Philippians 4:6-7, 1 Peter 5:7, and Psalm 55:22; I am confronted with how I should react to Anxiety, Stress, and Fear. But nothing is noted about what brings that about in my life. Why? Because it doesn’t matter what it is, it’s my reaction to the uncertainty that defines me as a follower of Christ.
James 1:27 Religion that is pure and undefiled before God, the Father, is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world.
