THE MOST VALUABLE LESSON

At various times in our life, we've had foster children living with us for longer or shorter periods of time. One such youngster was a little thirteen year old girl. She'd known a lot of hurt and pain in her short life. She was a lonely child, withdrawn, way into herself. She didn't want to talk about the pain she'd known. She had once told a social worker that she saw no reason to live.

One weekend our family went camping out in the desert. We arrived late in the afternoon to the spot we wanted to stay. The sun was low, the air calm, and the scene complete private. The world was absolutely beautiful!

Joan and I set up camp, while the children scattered (as they will when work is to be done!). The quiet little girl went off by herself for a walk.

The other kids straggled back as the sun sank lower, and the girl wasn't with them. We became worried, and I went out to search for her. She wasn't familiar with the dangers of the desert, but, thank God, she appeared safely a few minutes later.

She was walking with her head up, looking happy. She came up to me and said, "You know, Popsy, I found out you can talk to God, no matter where you are!"

I will never forget the feeling that came over me at that moment, standing before that sweet, young, knowledgeable little child. She had discovered something that many people never find out, and stated so profound a truth my heart soared! I embraced that little girl, and in the wilderness of the desert, gave thanks to my Creator who had given her the wisdom to see.

That little girl is a grandmother now. She and her husband had two beautiful daughters and walked every step of the way with God in much happiness and love.