The Year of Our Exchange
by Leann McClain
Maria came into our lives as quick as the blink of
an eye.
We didn’t plan to have her here, but God had
other things in mind.
He placed her here within our midst, and before we
could say “Why?”
She blew into our little home as the wind blows in
the sky.
We didn’t know what happened when one day she
entered here
Our lives were changed forever because she added one
more dimension we hadn’t known.
Our Becky came home from school one day and said a girl needed a home.
Her new family was moving away and she only wanted
to stay.
Before I knew what I had done, I said “Why not?”
The next week it came to be and then she became part
of our little family.
I knew she didn’t believe as I, no matter, God
loves her, anyway.
Perhaps she’s that angel He sends sometimes
from Heaven to me and you.
We never know where He walks in and visits us –
just does.
We may not know whom we entertain, just treat all
as family.
Perhaps she’s here to learn of Him? Perhaps to teach me love.
What e’re the reason she’s here with us,
I know God planned that, too.
Perhaps it’s for me she’s here –
to learn how to give more love.
Perhaps – no, it’s no accident she came
here to be with us.
He doesn’t give us life to waste
He gave us life to use to His glory.
What scientist can explain how to make a cell from
scratch?
God must be amused.
They clone what is already there and claim it now
theirs.
I cannot believe some accident in space created magnificence
to enjoy.
Can science explain how that big tree got there in
the beginning?
By looking at our universe, one cannot help but see
That God, in His almighty wisdom and power, would
have to make that tree.
Only God can explain all of that –
Beauty in all of creation, science cannot do all of
that!
Our lovely Maria is not an accident – she’s
God’s own creation for us to love.
Can one really believe that man evolved through monkeys
after all?
Were apes just accidentally here, the way they want
us to believe?
God gives us mortals love, to share,
God gives us love, to live
God gives us grace, to be with Him
God gives us eternity, for bliss.
Her being here has forced me to affirm what I already
knew.
That in our lives God has a plan for all – for
me and you.
He places events within our reach that prove He is
our God.
He uses us for His mighty plan, to reach all with
whom we touch.
Who would have thought we’d have this girl among
us for a year?
Who would have used us for such a plan?
No one but God knew that.
We’ve shared our lives – too much sometimes
– but living here she’s learned about our lives, religion and culture,
Perhaps she’ll carry us with her?
God has a plan for her, too, though she would not
agree.
One day, I pray she’ll know that God above loves
her much more than I can love.
He loves us all, whether we love Him or not, He cares
about each one.
He grieves each time that we do wrong, but loves us
anyway.
His love is never ending, His love faultless and free.
His love caring and beautiful as love can ever be.
He gave His Son after all to free us from our sin.
When Maria leaves a void will come
One that cannot be filled up with anyone else,
She is unique and we love her as our own.
Maria, please come back again and do not bid us farewell.
We will see you sometime in the future and we know
not when.
Rest assured you are in our prayers, as our flesh
and blood daughters are.
You are so special, yes, you are.
You mean so much to us.
We have our differences, of that is certain, but our
love bridges culture sure enough.
Perhaps one day you’ll enter our door with that
smile you so often carry.
We leave our key in your heart, please keep it safe
and keep in touch.
We love you,
Leann
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