Prinking

  The time period after children leave our home to the time new children come to join us always feels like a bit of a crossroad.  For just a few days, or a couple of weeks, we are not foster parents, and it’s during these times that it seems to occur to us that this is a choice -  as opposed to when we have children placed with us and it just is, it is just our life.  But it is during these times that I sometimes come to the realization that I could wake up tomorrow and decide not to do this anymore.  I doubt anyone would question us, it’s not a decision I think we’d have to defend – that would just be it.

 

Except for that part about fostering being what God has asked us to do.

You know.

Minor details.

 

But it is during these transitions that I tend to reevaluate.  Is this still what we should be doing?  Is this what is best for our family?  Can we continue to do this?  Would life be easier if we didn’t?  (duh.) 

When in all reality, there is only one question I should be asking.

 

I just recently listened to this sermon by Francis Chan (love listening to him – incredible wisdom.) where he is discussing a major crossroads in his life.  He talks about how he is only ever about 80% sure of any decision he makes – culminating from lots of thinking and praying (which he calls ‘prinking’, “I just prink, and prink, and prink.” Ha!).  At some point in there, you start feeling more peace one way or the other.  This is how he came to the conclusion to resign as the pastor at his church to leave and do inner city ministry.

 

He talks about how several people have come to him and lamented about how they wish they could do that.  They wish they could do something that radical for God, but they just can’t.  It’s not feasible, it’s not responsible, it’s not possible.  His response?  Of course you can, and of course it is.

He goes on to share one of his favorite verses in the bible: James 5:17.  Elijah was a man, just like us.  Elijah, who through prayer caused draught and then rain.  Elijah, whose cry to God brought the life back to a young boy.  He’s just like us.

 

If Elijah could do these things, then I am certain that with God we can continue to foster, that it will be best, that it will be fruitful.  I am certain that the only question I should be asking is,

“Is God asking it of me?”

Yes?  Well, ok then.