“I miss you.”

That phrase has been worn out in my life’s conversations.  I grew up as an MK (missionary kid) and as long as I can remember, I have been “missing” someone: family members, friends, acquaintances, teachers, pastors, leaders, coaches, mentors.  My life has been characterized by people in transition.  I say all of this because last week, “I miss you.” surged new meaning in my heart, a whole new set of emotions and desires rose to form that awkward gulp in my throat as I reflected on those words.

Today is Mother’s Day.  I love Mother’s Day because I have a wonderful mom, 2 incredible Grandmother’s, and I am even blessed to have 2 Mothers-in-law.  Add to that all of the wonderful women who have taken a motherly role in my life—I am a blessed daughter!  It is difficult for me to wrap my mind around the concept of not having these very influential women in my life.  I consider my experience to be pretty ideal as compared to God’s intended womanly, mother-daughter relationships.  (I would say the same for my other immediate family relationships.)  I realize the incredible blessing that is.

As Mother’s Day approached over the past week, my co-workers and I utilized this opportunity to do a simple writing craft with our students.  We printed out a few cute Mother’s Day cards, had each student write a personal message, and then decorate the cards along with a gift bag to take home to Mom.  I was working with the last student on his writing, and asked him what he would like to say.  This student is young and I knew I would have to help him do the writing, so I had my marker poised to scribe.  “What is something special about your mom?  Something you love to do with her, or that you love about her?”  As I spoke these words, and my student thought to himself, my co-worker dashed across the room, whispering, “NO!” and signaling me to stop!  I was startled, and focused on the message she was silently mouthing to me, “I forgot!  Mom isn’t around!  What should we do?  Maybe Grandma?”  I instantly changed gears, and suggested that we make the card for Grandma.  My student was not a fan of that idea—he already knew what he wanted to say to Mom!  I said, “Alright, what do you want to write?”

“I miss you.”  He said.

“Anything else?” I asked.

“No.  Just, ‘I miss you.’”

My heart shattered inside my chest as I saw the emotion on his little face.  My eyes welled up with tears, and I ached to scoop him up, adopt him, and love him the way a mother should.  The way God intended for him to be loved by a Mom.  “I miss you.” means something very different to this little boy.  I have never missed anyone like that.  I have missed because I have experienced the love, peace, comfort and joy that comes from my family; not because I have been deprived of it.

Yet, I know that feeling of missing something I have never experienced.  I knew it at 7 years old when I realized my soul was dead.  I knew I was missing out on life!  How thankful I am that God has fulfilled that longing in my soul, and is now using me to fulfill that longing in others’ lives.

As I wrote this post, I started singing this song to myself: “When Love Takes You In” by Steven Curtis Chapman I thought it so fitting that I included the link for you to enjoy.

What would your message to mom be?  What are you missing?