- Dec 20, 2019
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When I think of having hope for the future, this picture of our family gathered around the dinner table is one of my favorite photos ever. It’s about 14 years old, and I still have it framed in my office. There are a few reasons that I love it. But the most important reason is that the Lord spoke to me very clearly at the dinner table this particular evening, and that’s why the photo exists.
As I listened to our girls cut up, laugh, and share tacos, I saw my husband’s smile as he listened to their antics. I tossed a prayer up to the Lord with gratitude because our family was going through a lot of turmoil, and this moment felt like a kiss from Him. The Lord said, “Set your vision and hope on this. As adults with their own families, you want to be able to take this photo again and again around your family table. The relationships you build and your influence on them today will determine whether they will join your table then.” I lifted my phone and took the photo. It’s a reminder to me every day.
Overflow With Hope for the Future
What the Lord did in that moment was to help me “overflow with hope” regarding our family and its future. The vision that He gently painted for me that day guided me as I walked through the day-to-day issues and challenges. It helped me to learn not to “major in the minors.” Now, nearly two decades after bringing our first daughter through adoption into our lives, I can tell you that so many of the “big issues” really are minor, and we don’t even remember them now.
I am also happy to say that our family table continues to grow through marriage and grandbabies (my favorite part), and the hope & vision that God gave me all those years ago is coming to pass. It hasn’t been easy, and I certainly haven’t been perfect, but He has been faithful in helping me keep my mind and heart focused on the power of His redemption for my girls and their lives.
In the days between snapping that photo and today, we’ve walked through many extreme circumstances, heartbreaking moments, and serious behavioral challenges. I can’t tell you how many times, in the middle of these moments, the Lord has brought this image to my mind to remind me to set my vision and hope on the future, not the current crisis. It’s my Holy Spirit version of “breathe, breathe, breathe” as I’m considering how to handle the darkness of the current circumstance.
Your Actions Now Bring Hope for the Future
I’ve had to remind myself over and over again that my next words and actions might be momentary for me, but for the girl that I level them at, it could be something she carries with her forever. The weight of that has helped me slow down and choose grace and purposeful responsiveness with a hopeful vision of what the outcome would be for our child and our family’s future.
This simple vision of wanting all of my daughters around our holiday table as adults has helped to hold me together through the darkest of moments. Do you want to have a good relationship with your future grandchildren? If so, you need to have a healthy relationship with their parents. Do you want to have your children around you in your old age? Your words and actions today will determine whether that takes place in your tomorrow. All of these questions were questions the Lord had me answer and consider. I’m so thankful that He did because our family might have broken beyond repair without a family vision in my heart.
As you navigate the complexities and challenges of parenting children from hard places, remember that hope is not just a fleeting emotion but a steadfast anchor for your soul. The vision God gives you for your family’s future can guide you through the darkest times. Keep your eyes on the bigger picture, trusting that God works in ways you may not yet see. Let the hope that God fills you with overflow into your interactions with your children, shaping your responses and guiding your actions. By standing firm in hope, you are enduring the present struggles and paving the way for a future filled with joy, peace, and the fulfillment of God’s promises.
Short Prayer To Help You Hope for the Future
Heavenly Father, thank You for being the God of hope. Fill us with Your joy and peace as we trust in You, and let our hearts overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Guide us through the challenges we face and help us to keep our vision set on the future You have promised. Strengthen our faith and our resolve, and let Your hope shine through us to our children. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
The post Hope for the Future for Foster and Adoptive Parents appeared first on Focus on the Family.
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