Missing.
January 1st, 2010 by Sara Verwymeren
Christmas is a season for celebration. Along with it comes reflection and as most often the case, missing. It’s hard not to miss people and places that you want to celebrate with.
Each year, Nick and I ache a little bit to be back in North America, enjoying the cold weather and the gathering of our families. We are fortunate enough to have so many close friends here in Australia, but it is never quite the same.
As I sit at my desk in my office today, I found my heart missing something else. As per usual, before I get into my work, I scroll around friends’ Facebooks and glance at a few photos. Recently, my friend Jessica’s parents traveled to Thailand. The moment I saw her face, my stomach sunk a little and my heart grew heavy. There she was, a beautiful little Thai girl smiling brightly into the camera.
I became absorbed, clicking on every photo and finding myself deeply, deeply missing.
When I first visited Thailand, I had little affection for it. It was hot, polluted, crowded and I became very ill while I was there. But my second visit changed all that. The dusty streets were familiar, the smells inviting. My heart seemed to grow bigger and bigger each day, loving more every moment of this beautiful country.
On my first visit, I could have kissed the ground when I reach Australia. This time, the moment we boarded the plane, I was already missing. I remember sitting in the airplane, staring out the window to make sure I caught every minute. Nick had placed his hand over mine and assured me that we would be back.
It’s hard to believe that I could love a place so much, having seen so little of it. But I guess that’s what happens when you love. The learning of it becomes the joy that sustains the passion.
I hope that passion never wains and as I prepare for the holiday season, that I never forget. May your hearts be filled this season and God bless.
Sara