EXPRESSIONS OF FAITH
Not much separates kids, adults

By Seaward B. Grant

I can remember the first time I received a call from the social worker my wife and I had interviewed about foster parenting.

I'd been praying that the circumstance that would bless our home with a child would be made evident. That call made the prospect real.

We didn't know how long the 16-year-old boy would be with us, but it was urgent that he be removed from his household. The social worker mentioned that if the boy and I felt comfortable after a phone conversation, I would be able to pick him up from a detention home downtown.

It was clear after our conversation that he would indeed like to be part of our household for the interim, starting a new school term in our location. I talked about the importance of church work and community in my life and hoped he could engage some of the principles that had turned my life around, leading to a happy marriage and satisfying employment. He agreed to try.

A tear still comes when I remember picking him up. He had a pair of shorts and the shirt on his back.

As we drove the half-hour to our home, I took advantage of the undivided attention. I could tell that this was probably not going to be easy for either of us.

The Psalmist writes "all of you are children of the most High" in Psalms 82:6. A passage from a "Compilation of Miscellaneous Writings" from Mary Baker Eddy, the discoverer and founder of Christian Science, states: "Children not mistaught, naturally love God; for they are pure-minded, affectionate, and generally brave."

I could see his bravery as he determined to make this a progressive step in his life. He adjusted quickly and I could tell my wife had an expectancy that our outreach would bless this young man for many years to come. I did not have to say much, but his willingness to participate in church services, especially Sunday School, paved the way for dialogue that helped us both keep an eye on the bigger picture.

Church members embraced the good this boy brought with him.

His belongings were meager. A friend from church, an artist, found out the 16-year-old had artistic ability. She asked if she could pick him up some afternoon to visit her studio. When she arrived at our house to pick him up, she mentioned that she also wanted to take him shopping, to prepare him for his new school.

She bought him art supplies and a wardrobe that day, making him feel more comfortable with his new school. I know this woman would simply say it was God's gift for the child.

The year he was with us brought many blessings and challenges.

I believe this is what God had in mind for all his children.

Seaward B. Grant is manager for Christian Science Committee on Publication for Hawaii. Expressions of Faith is a column written individually by pastors, lay workers and other leaders of faith. If you want to contribute, e-mail faith@honoluluadvertiser.com or call 525-8036.

Correction: The name of Mary Baker Eddy, the founder of Christian Science, was misspelled in a previous version of this article.