My daughter visited me recently, along with my grandchildren. It had been a long time since I last saw them and I was nervous about meeting them again. However, I needn’t have worried after a long drive from the Midlands they finally arrived between 4 – 5 pm.

My daughter looked absolutely shattered driving all that way – nearly 200 miles. Bearing in mind she works for the NHS 111 service and the hours are very unsocial. Then she has a house to maintain and look after the kids and pets. I don’t know how she manages it! But I like to think that God’s grace gets my daughter Sara through, as it does many of us. Sara is married but her husband has a delivery job which takes him all over the country so often he is not there.

We had a good time together and ordered a pizza takeout. When it came time to go later that evening I was sad but still very thankful to see them, even if I am missing them now.

The question has to be asked: “Why do human beings miss people or situations that once were”?

God designed us humans to be social creatures. We are meant to enjoy the company of others and the goodness and stimulation that brings. Of course, it’s not only family we miss – it can be friends too.

Bereavement is the greatest separation. People talk about closure on such issues but I think there is no such thing as closure. I think you learn to adapt and live with the fact these people are no longer around. Things will always come up from time to time that reminds you of them. Someone who looks like them, a scene, a Deja Vu event, a piece of music, etc. But as Christians, we know that if they were Christ’s disciples too they will have gone to a better place and one day we will see them again.

Sometimes we miss things from our past. We always seem to reminisce about the past like when we were kids and life was innocent and we had no responsibility. Whatever the past scenario or situation, we always think that time was better than our present life. Maybe it was? But then our minds only seem to remember the good times from the past and block out the bad times, it seems.

Missing someone or something can lead to mental health issues. Especially, if you are living in the past and not engaging in the world as it is now. It’s easy to say “Pull yourself together” or “Pull your finger out”. You may think you are being helpful, but you could be doing more harm than good. Remember help is out there in the form of your GP, your Pastor or church community at large, a caring friend, a family member, etc. Do not forget God, and as scripture tells us, let us give our all to Him.

Did Jesus miss people? Well, yes he did! Even though he had the power to raise the dead, he wept over his friend Lazarus. Though Christ was God in human form, in his tears he showed his humanity. Jesus must have felt so alone at times in his life, particularly on the night he was arrested. He must have felt so lonely as he hung there on the cross separated from his friends, family, and ultimately God Himself. However, this was not the end and all those who mourned or missed Jesus would have their misery turned to joy. With Christ’s resurrection, ascension, and promised return there is eternal hope in this realm and the next! Not only for people 3,000 years ago but here and now in the present world. God, unlike human beings who come and go, is there constantly. Therein lies hope and something to remember when we miss or mourn something or someone.

I’m going to take the opportunity to wish you a peaceful New Year and hope you all had a Blessed Christmas Day. Also here are some helpful verses from the Bible:

Psalm 42:11: “Why am I so sad? Why am I so troubled? I will put my hope in God, and once again I will praise him, my Saviour and God”.

Isaiah 41: “Do not be afraid I am with you! I am your God let nothing terrify you! I will make you strong and help you; I will protect you”.

God bless you.

Nick x.