Rest, Reflect and Renew

The R in F.R.A.M.E. stands for respite. This is something we've done for other foster and adoptive families but until recently never asked for a respite for our family. Not only in foster care but in life in general many of us seem to think we can keep going and going without taking time to rest, reflect and be renewed. Even Jesus took time from His ministry and stopped and prayed to His Father in heaven. If Jesus needed to do this what makes us think we don't? Another reason I believe we struggle in today's society with taking a “respite” is because we feel guilty or others make us feel guilty. Actually people who take “respites” usually are able to cope with life better and have much to offer to their marriage, children, family, friends, work, ministries, etc... Obviously taking a respite is in no means promoting laziness but a time to rest, reflect and walk away feeling renewed. Recently I requested a respite for a young child that has been living in our home. We had been experiencing quite a few struggles with this child in her behavior and I felt like I was at a point where I was parenting out of frustration instead of being an effective parent in her life. My husband and I talked and agreed we would try a respite and see if it would help her and our family. So during her spring break she spent four nights at another foster home that we're friends with. We knew she would be safe and parented similar to how we parent. We trusted this family completely. During that week I took time to relax, read, pray and just continue to enjoy life with those the Lord has placed around me. She also had a good week at their home. Since she has returned her behaviors have been more back to normal and I feel less frusterated. We share these stories with you in these blog entries not to bring any glory to ourselves but to encourage you. We're all on life's journey together. We may be at different places in our journey but we all still feel emotions along the way. We encourage you to take time to rest. It's ok to say no to things. Our days are not made to be so full that we're so spent we don't have enough time for time for our Lord and family. Enjoy life, do fun things together but also stop and smell the flowers, let the breeze blow against your face and praise the One who created you.