“Warm…warmer….hot!” my mother would exclaim as I searched the house for the gift she had hidden for me. I delighted in those words. I felt the elation of accomplishment as those words rang in my ears. My mom always made gift giving and receiving so fun for us when we were kids. I loved the game of hide and seek that sent me clamoring from place to place in search of the treasure.
My hands held the chocolate while I stood in the aisle reminiscing about my mom and all she did for me. I found myself missing her as I took the “gift” for my grandchildren to the checkout stand. My heart grew heavy as I realized that both my parents were gone – leaving me no one’s daughter anymore. No one would love me as I suffered a loss or pain. No one would draw their arms around me to give me comfort. No one like my mother existed for me. Truly, I was no longer a daughter. As I walked through the parking lot with my heart heavy and my eyes filled with tears, I felt the Holy Spirit embrace my heart to comfort me; and then He pointed me to the Father – to Jesus and to Himself. There I was, in the middle of a sea of cars, realizing a truth I already knew: I am a daughter forever – a daughter of a King – a daughter with many royal brothers and sisters – a daughter with mothers all around me. My tears turned to thanksgiving, and thanksgiving to joy, as my heart fully accepted the truth of what Jesus did by His coming – I will never be orphaned or alone.
If you are a daughter or son without an earthly mother or father; or a mother or father without an earthly daughter or son – look around, open your heart. There is someone without a daughter – someone without a son – someone without a mother – someone without a father – someone who needs you to share the light that shines through you. Someone who would feel the joy of being loved – costing you but a bit of time.