The mom behind the missionary

Ten years ago, a new set of missionaries came into our ward that really clicked with our family.  We had them over a lot and as we had them in our home, I couldn't help but think about the mothers behind these missionaries.  Back then, on some level, I started realizing that I should be treating these elders like their mothers would want me to treat them, because one day I would have a son or daughter out a mission as well. 

One day, these Elders came to our door hungry.  They literally showed up at my door saying they didn't have a dinner appointment at 5:00 pm on the dot. I got out my frozen pizza and a box of macaroni and whipped them up super horrible dinner in 10 minutes flat, but I didn't turn them away.  I couldn't help but think about their mothers and the prayers they were saying everyday in behalf of their sons.  I couldn't turn them away.

Now that my son is serving a mission, I look at missionaries completely different.  I realize they are imperfect, struggling and needing encouragement.  I realize they left everything behind and are making a monumental sacrifice of time and energy.  I look at these Elders and now realize, they could be my son and now more than ever, I want to treat them with the most love that I possibly can. 

I am now a mom behind a missionary serving in Lubbock Texas.  I don't want his mission to be easy and it most assuredly won't be, especially when he goes to Mada. Rather, I want him to be challenged, stretched and molded into the man God intends him to be.