One of my favorite promises in Scripture comes from the Psalms where we learn that God sees the lonely and He delights to set them in families.

Sometimes that comes in a traditional form. And sometimes God’s provision in various seasons of life is surprisingly unique…and delightful.

I have no biological children, though such children have long existed in my dreams. But 11 years ago, God gave me a little boy to care for from a distance through Compassion International. And a few years later, he gained a “sister” from the same impoverished country. And then, a couple of years after that, a little girl from another continent captured my heart and joined my sponsorship “family.” And, finally, a couple of years ago, a sweet and vivacious Spanish-speaking teenager appeared to round out my crew.

They live in their home communities, my four children, dependent upon the safety they find in their Compassion Projects and the monthly support I send to help them thrive. And I pray they will grow strong to be good, godly leaders of those local communities, to affect lasting change in this world because of the harvest of Christ’s Spirit in their hearts.

We write letters to each other, and the kids often draw pictures as enclosures. But Gloria, my most recent addition, often uses her extra letter space to illustrate the words of God’s Word. (I know she has a dear mother of her own, but I do value this extra connection with Gloria, sharing her creative spirit.)

A couple days ago, Gloria’s most recent letter arrived in my mailbox. And when I opened it, there was one of her most beautiful offerings yet.

My heart was filled with delight.

I have never studied Spanish, but even before I looked at the translator’s note, I knew what it said.

So today, I wanted to share my quiet happiness and honor my four beautiful children by following the pattern of Gloria’s design in my own translated version.

Thank you, God, for the strength we find in You, especially in seasons of loneliness.