" I don't think I'll ever think of Palm Sunday the same way again!" Those were my thoughts as I reflected on what this day means in my life. But let me back up a bit....
You see, there is a couple (that I don't know very well), but this precious couple provides a home to children who don't have a place to call home. They are foster parents. It is my understanding that they are parents, grandparents, and now foster parents. They provide a home, a safe refuge, to some kids that know more and have seen more evil than most of us can possibly imagine. That job doesn't sound like it could be alot of fun. The fact is - it probably isn't. This couple probably doesn't receive many high-fives, pats on the back, or thank you notes, but I believe they realize their reward will come later.
There are two things I do know about this remarkable couple:
1. Their "family" attends church regularly!!!
2. They take their "family" fishing. And they LOVE it!!
(Now, this wouldn't be that different for many of our children. They've been in church since birth, and they know I enjoy taking them fishing.) But for these kids, church and fishing are a real treat. Many have never been to church before, and most have never been fishing! I am certain that this couple is impacting their world (mine, too) because I have evidence....... it's in their writing!
About two and a half months ago, I assigned my students a writing topic about a Magic Carpet Ride. I had given them a "Rock Star" Writers Checklist reminding them to include figurative language, vivid vocabulary, and a few other elements. Imagine my surprise as I began reading one particular student's writing about visiting Sarah Palin's Alaska on his magic carpet. Very creative!! And, it was pretty awesome that he was interested in Sarah Palin's Alaska, as this wasn't your typical republican. He used personification as he mentioned the evergreen trees smiling as he tried to land his magic carpet. But it's the next part that really got me. He used figured language and explained how he felt like "Jesus riding the donkey through the streets on Palm Sunday" with all the people singing, "Hosanna!" and welcoming him to Alaska. I couldn't believe my eyes! First Sarah, now Jesus? And he knew the story, and used it in his creative writing! I was so shocked that I ran down the hall to another teacher on his "team", had her read the paper, and we cried! And laughed! And read it over and over!!!
Later, we asked him about it. He told us all about Jesus on Palm Sunday and Sarah Palin. I'll never forget that conversation!
It made me realize not just the sacrifice, but the influence of that precious couple on the children that come into their home. Their commitment to the Lord and those children who, for whatever reason are not living at home, is selfless and remarkable. They are making a difference!!! And those kids are "getting" it!!
As David Platt says,"Radical Sacrifice equals Radical Reward"!
For the record, I will never think of Palm Sunday without thinking of Sarah Palin and her evergreens singing "Hosanna" to the King. And a precious couple who could be quietly enjoying their "golden" years, but instead choose to love a stranger's kids and point them to the Savior~ so one day these children will be Fishers of Men!!! Can I get a "HOSANNA!"?!
