In everything, you will receive.

For those who have not been caught up in my doings, I now have a new "placement." M came to us August 21st: a freckled and frazzled, all-be-her disappointed eleven year old. Mom is away for 60-90 and M is with us until she can be home again. I don't really know which way it may go--and it is not my place to offer my heart to invest in that one way or the other. I have done that before, and I have learned it's better just to be sure this day and the next day and the next day--(the singular days, one after the other after the other) are full, and real, and educational, and caring, and christ-like for the one being served--the child.

Two weeks before I met M, I found myself in earnest prayer. Some time had gone on, with near-placements and overpasses for me as a foster-parent. Not one child had a kept for more than an afternoon of baby-sitting in a year. I prayed to Heavenly Father to use this desire. I prayed to allow me to act in His service in this way--the way I feel called to do--able to do. In ways I do not always do, I opened my heart even more widely and offered my yearnings to Him. One day later I was called to do an overnight respite for 2 brothers! Just one day!

The brothers were AWESOME! I loved them instantly. They were from another office, and had foster homes some distance away but I cannot fully grasp the IMMEDIATE connection to the holy spirit I felt once they were settled in my home. I am absolutely convinced that each foster child has his or her own angel--a direct line to the holiest of God's spirit--and it is so so palpable. (Mostly so as they sleep!) I felt the urging, and the love of God in my home. It was wonderful!

The following Friday, I got another call to take M. She was not just respite, and the need was immediate--in just a few hours! A quick check with Joe, a prayer and a DEEP BREATH lead me to my ultimate "Yes"....and thus I am where we are...

I share this story because I think we all have a calling. Something more than a whispering of how we can serve God. It's clear to Him, and through the holy ghost He makes it clear to us. He doesn't save this for only the most righteous, or the near-perfect. He doesn't tally sins and failings before He gives us these gifts--He gives them because he loves us, and knows us, and knows how loving Him will help us grow (and certainly using these gifts is loving Him!) and have more JOY. He would not reserve charity for only the righteous, as He knows that charity encourages righteousness! So.....my urging is to seek out your gifts and then pray for the opportunity to use them. Use them to the benefit of God--in HIS name, and therefore "be thou and example of the believers..." that all men may see your good works and honor HIS name. I can testify that if you honestly and openly seek to do His will AND His work, HE will give you the way. Why would He let hang an out-stretched hand of charity? Of course He would not!

The next time you see your talent just wasting away at your fingers....and you despair at its un-use, truly pray and ponder if you desire to use it for YOUR good or HIS--and then you may see why you are that way. This I promise: Desire to do for Him, and in everything you will receive.

In everything, you will receive.