While working as a Foster Home Developer one of the main questions I got was, 'What makes good foster parents?' After answering the question a million different ways it finally dawned on me that to be a good foster parent - you couldn't have all the answers. Does that surprise you? The best thing you can do as a foster parent is be willing to learn - be teachable. Every child is unique. Every circumstance is unique. What worked for you and your birth children may not work for your foster children. And, what works today may not work tomorrow. The relationship changes. If you're not willing to learn new ideas, consider new approaches, stretch yourself a lot, adapt as you go, then fostering is not for you. Teach-ability and flexibility are two of the most important attributes in fostering.
Dad was a lifelong learner. I don't know of many 70+ year-old men who can take apart a computer and put it back together. Dad worked several years for Microsoft as a merchandiser. He had to know how to use all those little gadgets. He had to show adults and children how to use the gaming machines and around Christmas he usually sold a bunch of them. As an avid reader he was up to date on the latest authors and best sellers. He liked Harry Potter and The Lord of the Rings. He liked good mysteries, science-fiction, and fantasy. He always had crossword puzzle books going and also worked the puzzles in the paper. He never looked in the back for the answers either. (I do.) Other than the spiritual legacy Dad left, I think the most important thing he taught all of us is that you're never too old to learn, and you SHOULD continue to do so.
A couple of weeks ago one of our elders brought the morning message. One of the questions he asked was whether or not you had ever changed your mind about a biblical truth or passage. Or, have you believed the very same thing since your salvation? What a great question! Have you ever debated with someone over specific passages of scripture and come away with a different perspective or insight? As a student/facilitator of Precept studies I most certainly have. I remember well a concept I had held for decades that was changed in me as I studied word for word the book of Romans. And now, when friends are so adamant about that concept around me, I kinda grin and think, some day, God may change your mind about that. The elder pointed out the fact that God is inerrant -- we are not!
God's mercies are new every morning. If we are teachable and flexible His lessons and insights for us are also new every morning. What are you allowing Him to teach you this week?
Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. ~Lamentations 3:22-23
