As we enter the second week of the new year, some of us have kept them and are going strong. Some have already broken them. Others – myself included – have not even made resolutions yet.
I entered December eyeing the week between Christmas and New Year’s as a an opportunity for reflection, prayer and planning. We instead had the privilege of offering respite care for a sweet baby boy. The kids in our home include three teens and an eight-year old who thinks he’s a teen, so caring for a newborn required a massive shift in gears for my wife and me. Needless to say, the time of reflection and resolution-making will have to wait until later this month.
When we sit down to make resolutions – whenever that may happen – we tend to think of habits and goals we’d like to grow in. These tend to include physical health, spiritual disciplines, or other skills/goals we may have neglected. And it is good to consider those things! We are reminded by Jesus in Luke 10:27 of God’s command to love Him with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength, and our resolutions ought to reflect that command.
But our resolutions are not meant to end there. If we continue with the words of Jesus in Luke 10, He adds, “and love your neighbor as yourself.”
How do our resolutions include loving our neighbors? And more specifically, how do they line up with James’ words to “visit the widow and the orphan in their affliction?” In what ways are you crafting your life and resolutions around moving toward individuals and families who are in foster care?
One thing about resolutions is that even the best of them will fail without preparation and planning. My wife and I made a pretty drastic change in our diet last year and there is NO WAY we would have succeeded if we hadn’t done lots of meal planning, proactive store trips, etc. Had I relied on my self-discipline and “resolve” when faced with a decision between eating a brownie or an apple, I would have failed EVERY TIME. That is because, given the choice between something difficult and something comfortable, I’m prone to choose comfort. I doubt I am alone in that!
Any resolution to move toward children and families in foster care cannot depend on our resolve alone. If I were to resolve to improve my physical wellbeing in 2025, I would expect to invest my money in equipment or a gym membership. I would seek out help with how to go from where I am to where I want to be, since I am neither a dietician nor a physical trainer. I would develop accountability with a circle of people who are supportive of this endeavor or doing it alongside me. The same applies to caring for children and families in foster care. To do so well requires financial investment. It requires training in ways to care for people who have experienced trauma. It also requires community.
At Fostering Hope, we can help you move toward children and families in foster care in a way that sets you up for success and empowers you to care well for the long haul. Whether you are an individual, family, or a church looking for ways to get involved, we have you covered. As you begin, we can help you feel confident in the next step. With our wide array of trainings you’ll learn strategies that heal and actually work. We will connect you with community that feeds your soul. And on the days when things are extra hard and your resolve is wavering, you will have a soft place to land.