scuffed marbles

Continuing with my focus on foster care/adoption this month, I wanted to share about an activity that Jim and I participated in during our special needs adoption class. It meant a lot to us and we still have our scuffed up marbles as keepsakes to remind us of what we learned.

As part of the adoption process of a child with special needs, we are required to take some classes in order to prepare us, as best as possible, for what may come. One activity, in particular, stood out to us. First, we passed around a jar full of brightly colored, swirly and smooth, unique marbles. Each of us was to take one that appealed to us in some way, and then tell the rest of the class why we chose that particular marble and what value we saw in it. We then walked outside and were instructed to smash our beautiful little marbles down onto the cement as hard as we could. Afterward, we were told to go and find our marble. Most were found and of those that were, each had some sort of scuff or chip from the trauma that had been inflicted.

As we held those little, damaged marbles in our hands, our instructor told us that the children we adopt are much like those marbles - beautiful and valuable, yet a bit scuffed and chipped because of the difficulties they had endured in their lives, through no fault of their own. "Are they not still worthy of value? Do they not deserve to be treasured?" she asked us. There were not many dry eyes in our circle as we cupped our marbles tightly in our hands, representing the little lives that were entrusted to our care.

I thought of our little Carys and hurt for what she endured for a time. There are still some unknowns in her future, but one thing is for sure... she has a family forever committed to her, no matter what may come. How very much we love and adore her!! She adds so much fun and laughter to our family.

I thought of our little Elle. Every time I hold her I remember what a little miracle she is. She beat the odds and survived, despite the trauma she endured and the fact that her little life was at stake. Her scuffs may also have life long ramifications, but no matter what, she is worthy of so much love and commitment. How grateful I am that God has given us the chance to care for her! Her sweetness and joy touch everyone in our home.

Just like "our" girls that God has so graciously allowed us to care for, every child deserves to be treasured for the value that God has placed within them. They are His, He has made them. For waiting children in the foster care system or in orphanages abroad, it is so very easy to look at the scuffs first and to feel afraid, inadequate and incapable (I know well from experience!). Yet, how much do these kids need to know that they are desired, that they are loved and that they are worthy of being included in a family?

For Jim and I, God had to take us on quite a journey before we were able to say "yes", come what may. And still, at times, fears about the future will arise and we must lay them down and refocus on His truths, His commands, His promises. We certainly do not have "what it takes", but we can rely on Him.

He equips those He calls (Ephesians 4:12)...

He asks us to be strong and courageous, not afraid or terrified... for He goes with us, He will never leave us or forsake us (Deuteronomy 31:6)...

When we pass through the waters and flames of life, He will protect us, we are not to fear (Isaiah 43:2)...

He will be faithful to complete the work that He began in us (Philippians 1:6)...