We lived in Fairbanks, Alaska at that time, and I stayed at the house a lot because it was often cold enough to keep me indoors. Although we were eager to start having little people to take up my time, it wasn’t working out that way, and I spent a lot of quiet time alone at home. I didn’t particularly like it, but I didn’t have friends to hang out with, and those peripheral friends I did have all had busy families.
During those long, dark winters, I often longed for the busyness of children.When we moved to Montana I had the same issues, fewer friends, and no transportation. I spent even more time alone at home. It was even quieter, because I knew no one in my new town, and I didn’t have a job. I got more and more bored by the moment. I started volunteering at the local library, and that eventually turned into a part time job, but even that wasn’t enough to alleviate the dullness.
After a bunch of childless years, we decided to become foster parents. We really felt we had what it takes to be parents, and believed God was calling us to take in children who needed families. We wanted a single child, or maybe a sibling pair. Young – like under 6.
If you already know me, you will already be snorting. Our first foster child was young – 4 months old. But that didn’t last long. He went home, and our next one was a teenager!! Well, she was a very easy, sweet kid, so it wasn’t hard to have her around, and meeting her needs was a relatively simple task. It was fun, but I still had way too much time on my hands.
Little did I know that God already had a plan…
Over the next few years, we took in another 8 foster kids, and only 4 of those moved on! Out of the 10 kids we took in, we kept 6 of them permanently!! And after those 6 came, along came 2 birth babies! What an awesome family!
But…
Now, don’t get me wrong – I am soooooo thankful for my precious family! I love every one of my children, and I am constantly amazed at how beautiful, brilliant, and awesome they are!
But…
Where’s the boredom now? Can I just have a minute or two? How ‘bout an hour alone in my own house? I want to draw a bit of boredom out of the boredom bank and use it now. Is that possible?
In these hectically (is that a word) busy days of childhood, teenagers, therapies, programs, holidays, church activities, and various other demands, I think back on those 10 childless, boring years and say, “WHAT WERE YOU THINKING!?!”
Then I look at each child and say, “She’s beautiful,” “He’s hilarious,” “What an adorable kid,” etc… They truly are amazing and wonderful, and I praise God for putting this family together. He must have a lot of confidence in me (or His ability to use me) to give me such a family. I pray that I will bring honor to Him in my role in this clan.
And I pray for some free time.
