Missing Out on Precious “Growing Up” Moments!

As I reflect on the children at risk that I serve, for some, having a mother is only a dream.

Here is a true story I wrote about my little friend Max whom I met while working in the orphanage during my years in Central Asia.

Max is eight years old and has no family. All his life, he has lived in an orphanage in Central Asia. At night, Max has no one to tuck him in, give him a hug and kiss, tell him a bedtime story, or pray with him. When Max falls down, nobody runs to comfort him or make sure he is not hurt.

One summer I stayed with a local Christian family who was hosting Max for a few weeks, providing an enjoyable break from the orphanage. During my visit the family’s little girl lost two front teeth. She ran up to me, eager to show me the gap where they had been. Max gave her a perplexed look. He did not understand what all the excitement was about. When he had lost a tooth, nobody ever showed any interest.

Through this incident, God showed me that, like Max, many orphaned children miss out on the joy of celebrating milestones like taking first steps, speaking first words, or losing teeth. God never intended for children to grow up alone, but with loving parents to care for them, protect them, and participate in precious “growing up” moments.

I worked with many older children from the orphanage and their one prayer was that they would be adopted into a family, and have a mother!

Would you take time this Mother's Day weekend, and reflect on these questions? Perhaps share them with your children, and have a time of discussion.

1. Recall a special experience or event that you were able to share with your mother? What would it be like if you had nobody to listen and share that experience with you?

2.  Describe a time when you were hurt and your mother comforted you. Imagine that same experience without a mom to care for you. How would that make you feel?

Would you take some time now, to pray for the many children at risk who don't have the love, protection, and nurture of a mother? Pray that children would be adopted into a family, or that a missionary or national worker would fill the role of mother at this time! Pray that children would know God in a deep way, and know His great love for them!

Happy Mother's Day!