“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?
Oh my gosh, Marla! I bawled while reading this. It does make you want to scoop him and all the hurting little ones up and make it all better. Thanks for the reminder, too, of how blessed I really am.