Ana* is 9 years old and will soon be adopted by her foster parents. During one of our recent home visits, Ana told me how much she was enjoying her new school, teachers and friends. Her school recently hosted a book fair, and Ana was able to buy a few books, toys and posters with money she had saved up.

She showed me everything she had purchased, and as we got to the last item in the stack, she said, “I saved my favorite for last.” Ana pulled out a diary with a lock and a pen. She proceeded to tell me all about this pen, how it writes with invisible ink and when you flip it over and push the button, a blue light reveals what you’ve written.

She pointed the blue light on her arm to show me the invisible “tattoos” she and her friends had drawn at school. Her favorite was a flower her best friend had drawn by her elbow. She asked me if I would like to give her one, so I took the pen and wrote “You are very special” on her lower forearm and “Jesus loves you” on her upper arm. She smiled when she shined the light on herself to read them.

Then Ana asked me if she could give me one, so I rolled up my sleeve and told her to have fun, thinking she would draw a star or butterfly. Much to my surprise, Ana started to write a message on my arm. I was anxious to see what she was writing. When she finished, she gave me the pen and said “I hope you can read it!” I illuminated the light at the end of the pen and began to read my arm. She had written, “I will always remember you.”

Ana will always remember Buckner Foster Care Case Worker Jorie Morrison in Amarillo, Texas. She’ll recall Jorie visiting her. She’ll recollect her adoption into her forever family. She’ll remember the way Jorie cared about her.

In much the same way Ana will always recall Jorie, we will always remember what Christ has done for us. His love is written on our hearts. The Holy Spirit reminds us of all God has taught us and brings it to mind when we most need it.

“But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.” –John 14:26

*Name changed to protect the identity of child. Devotion adapted from a blog post by Jori Morrison.

Deeper reflection:

• How does the Holy Spirit work in your life?
• When was the last time the Spirit brought Scripture to your mind?

Next steps:

• This morning, thank God for all he has done for you.
• Listen for the Spirit's prompting as you connect with others this week.