Made a Difference for This One
This is the story that the Mom, Lyschel, told me:
Once upon a time, a young boy walked along the edge of the ocean, picking up starfish that had been washed up and stranded on the shore. With each one, he would throw it back into the water, for a second chance on life.
An old man saw him and said, "Son, you cannot succeed in your quest - you cannot save all the starfish, there are too many."
"Maybe not," the boy replied, as he picked up another stranded starfish. He threw it back in the water, then turned to the old man. "But what I just did," the boy said, "mad a difference for that one."
Sometimes wonderful opportunities come to me, such as happened this morning, when I got to photograph the adoption of young Miles. Lyschel and her husband, Garren, already have four children. Some might call them crazy to bring another one into the mix. But Lyschel and Garren have a huge support - their faith.
And they prayed, and God led them to become foster parents and Miles came into their lives. And now he is the youngest of five, and a full-fledged member of the family circus.
The judge makes his order and the announcement is made - "It's a boy!"
No, they could not have adopted all the children who need a home - but it made a difference to this one.
It seems to me that for many times, we worry too much and do not take time to stop and listen - even if you don't believe in a deity, you do have a conscience, and it is worth slowing down to wait to hear what you should do, rather than making a quick decision.
Now, it might be that what you hear scares you - what, bring another child into the family, another strain on resources? Are you kidding me, Lord? It is okay to question Him, and indeed, even one of the greatest saints, St. Teresa of Calcutta, once said, "I know God will not give me anything I can't handle. I just wish He didn't trust me so much."
But He does. And you can make a difference. Start with doing it for just that one.
Congratulations, Lyschel and Garren, on your new son!