One evening last Christmas, as I was sitting in my darkened living room with my Christmas tree the only light, I was deep in thought about the past year and what the new year would have in store for me. I was feeling so grateful and yet a little apprehensive about the foster approval process I was then going through. Then I remembered how I always thought my purpose was in who I was raising. That thought took on a whole new aspect as I considered becoming a foster mom! I can't explain to you how I felt, how much importance there was in that revelation. I felt overwhelmed with awe and joy.
It was at that point I had a vision of a beautiful Christmas tree covered with ornaments, and each one had a name written on it. I knew in my spirit that it was the names of the children I would foster. I will be honest and say I wasn't sure how that would come to pass. I only planned to have 1 or 2 long term foster children so how would my tree be full of names?! While I treasured that vision in my heart, I shook it off partly in disbelief.
Along comes this Christmas season and as I am decorating my tree, I remembered that vision and I felt that same awe and joy. I had made an ornament for each child who had come into my home this year to hang on my tree and that's when I realized that vision for my tree has already begun. In less than a year I have 4 new names on my tree. I really hadn't anticipated that. However, I can see now how quickly the list of names can grow. What a beautiful thing it is to be able to hang those ornaments on my tree and to have the blessing of praying for each child as I look at their name during this Christmas season and for the rest of their lives!
For the last 3 New Year's Eve's, instead of making a resolution I have prayed for a word from God that will signify his plans for me for the year. It's always fascinating to see how my life that year lines up exactly with the word! It's so exciting for me and I'm so glad a friend passed that tradition along to me! Last New Year's Eve I had prayed for a word and got the word "Increase". I immediately thought about things like finances but I didn't feel like that was what God meant. Now as I look at my tree, it is clear what he meant! Not only did the names on my tree increase, but so did my patience, my love for others and my trust in God, my willingness to open my home, among many other things.
I hope that if you are feeling the pull to feed the hungry or to care for orphans and widows, that you will take the chance to do so. Not just during the Christmas season but everyday of the year. Let's be the light in this world. Let's step out of our comfort zones and make a difference for those in need!
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