Who Holds the Future

"Oh, she's so cute!" squealed Kelsey, looking at the baby her mother held. The baby wrapped her tiny fingers around Kelsey's thumb and stared at her face. "I wish she would smile at me," Kelsey said."Don't worry," Mom replied. "She's just getting to know us. Give her some time to get used to regular meals and a safe place to sleep, and she'll be smiling in no time!""Will we get to keep her?" Kelsey asked, still holding the little one's hand."We don't know the future," Mom replied gently. "We're her foster family for now because her home isn't safe. But there are people working with her parents to help them become safe for her. If that goes well, she will get to go home with her mom and dad."Kelsey sighed. "I want her to be with her parents, but I want her to stay with us too. I can't decide.""Well, honey, thankfully it isn't up to you to decide. We can trust that God already knows this little one's future, and He loves her even more than her parents do, and more than we do. Whether she stays with us or goes home with her parents, or even if she grows up in a different family altogether, we can pray that God would shine the light of His love into her life." Mom smiled at Kelsey. "My mother always used to say, 'I don't know what the future holds, but I know who holds the future.' God is a loving Father with strong hands. He holds all of us, not just this sweet little girl. He also knows your future, Kelsey. And since you know Jesus, He has wonderful things in store for you and for all those who have eternal life with Him."Kelsey leaned in to give the baby a kiss, then pulled back quickly. "Mom, I think I know what the future holds." "Oh really?" Mom's eyebrows went up."Yup. It's a new diaper. This baby stinks!" Kelsey laughed as she dramatically held her nose.Mom started laughing too. "You're certainly right!"The baby looked at their smiling faces, and the edges of her mouth lifted a little."She smiled, Mom! Her future is looking brighter already."Mom nodded as she carried the baby to the changing table. "It certainly is with a big foster sister like you!"-Karen McMillan