One reason we do what we do...

I was explaining to the Littlest Brother (who is with us through foster care) today that we are soon going on vacation.  He asked if he was coming with us. I said, "Yes. Of course. The whole family is going." He looked at me with his big brown eyes, tilted his head a bit, and said, "What's a family?"  My heart ached when he said it, and it aches now writing it. Knowing that this little three and a half year old boy has never experienced a family long enough to know what one is reminded me of why we do foster care. Why God called us to this roller coaster.  Why we didn't get to adopt the first (or second or third or...) child that came through our doors, even though I've wished many times that we did.  I believe that we all have a God given purpose in life and this is ours for now.  I'm thankful that God reminds me of this when the days get long or loud or busy or messy or all of the above.