(The idea for this story came from a story I heard from a friend. - I'm adapting and embellishing it for this post as an illustration of my point).
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John moved to the northern US from a tropical country where the weather was always warm...
The trees were always green and flowers grew year round.
After getting settled into his new job and saving some money, John bought a plane ticket for his dear mother so that she could come to visit him.
Mother had never left her native country. She was poor and lived in a remote area. Because she had had no opportunity to receive an education, she knew almost nothing about the world outside of her community.
Mother came to visit in November. Soon after she arrived, John took her for a drive through the countryside and neighborhoods near his home.
"How did you enjoy the drive?" John asked when they got back.
"It was very interesting, but I have a question...
"I am very puzzled by something I saw!"
"I saw so many dead trees! Why in the world don't the people cut them for firewood? I could certainly use some of that wood to cook with back home, but the people here just let them stand around. They are such an eyesore!"
"Oh Mother", John laughed, "the trees are not dead!
They are just waiting for spring!
Because it is cold here the trees have gone to sleep.
The cold would hurt their tender leaves so they have let them go...
When it warms up they will get new leaves and begin to grow again!
They will be beautiful - you'll see!"
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Why do I tell this little story?
Because it illustrates an important point!
When we see pictures like these...
How often do we make the same mistake John's mother made?
Do thoughts like...
They are useless, hopeless, and their just too far gone...
Fill our hearts with doubt?
These precious children have been deprived of the sunshine and warmth of love!
How can they possibly thrive...
When they are bedridden and lacking sufficient food?
Lacking basic stimulation and the opportunity to learn about the world?
Are they not letting their leaves fall and hunkering down for the winter?
Protecting themselves from the chilling blast of the winter wind?
When will the winter be over?
When will the warm summer sunshine fill their souls with hope?
Who will give them the love they need to grow and blossom?
They are most certainly NOT firewood...
They are precious children!
They are waiting for spring!
Don't you want to see them blossom?
What beauty the world is missing...
By hiding them away!
Think it's too late for them to bloom?
Here's what love did for one little boy!
Seth the day his parents met him...
(After spending the previous 3 months in a bleak institution...)
Seth three months later!
Just look what love has done!
The warmth and sunshine have made SUCH a difference for this dear little boy!
He is blossoming and growing and thriving!
He was just waiting for spring!
You can read more about Seth and his amazing progress on this blog!
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Please don't give up on the waiting ones who are still enduring a frightful winter!
Please consider choosing a child to pray for...
Donate to their adoption grant fund if you are able...
Share their story with others...
And pray about whether you might possibly be the springtime (family)...
A child is waiting for!
Could one of them be yours?
To read more about any of these children or donate to their funds...
Just click on their names under their pictures!
It's time for Spring!
This post is a part of the Forget Me Not Friday Linkup organized by Jane!
Please check it out here! And consider linking up a post of your own!
this post is awesome! i am sharing it on FB and twitter! love your heart for these kids xxxx
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