“Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins.” Peter 4:8)
Longing is a brilliant treasure of life.
It’s buried deep in our hearts.
The moment we think about it, our hearts become warm and our eyes become moist.
"There is no dinner for you tonight, just go to sleep!"
It was Mom’s orders.
I couldn't say anything but go to sleep.
My mother had four children, and I was her faithful, eldest daughter.
It was my responsibility to run most of the errands like buying groceries, and taking care of my younger siblings.
I had to come home home straight after school, which was very important.
But there were times when I was late because I lost track of time jumping rope or playing ball games with my friends.
On days like that, Mom ran around the neighborhood looking for me.
I never got caught.
One day, Mom had been waiting for me and I knew she’d be furious.
When I got home, I held my breath as I pushed open the small gate, and carefully listened for the sound of footsteps, and entered.
I didn’t come home until dark—and Mom’s anger turned into worry.
At that moment, Mom ran out holding a broom upside down. I turned and ran.
Later, I was punished. I didn’t get to eat dinner, which was severe punishment at that time.
But Mom was very sorry for a long time that I had starved that evening.
Now, I am older than Mom, who who passed away at 50.
However, I can still clearly see the neighborhood where I used to run with her.
I remember the yellow dog who’d always bark because he was startled by Mom's shouting.
When I ran around a large well under the Paulownia tree, I could smell the herbal medicine wafted through the air.
I turned the corner and saw my brother and his friends gathered around a game of marbles, takji-chigi.
The children looked at Mom and me with puzzled eyes and giggled.
I ran down the main road in front of the school so Mom couldn't follow me. I knew she’d feel embarrassed if any of the students saw her chasing me.
In front of the school, there was a stationary shop that Mom’s friend owned. But Mom did not stop and didn’t care if her friend saw her holding the broomstick upside down.
This story of punishment is something I long for. It is entrenched in my heart.
I long for my mother’s love. I long for my childhood.
How can you give this feeling of longing to someone else?
Think of the person in your life who brightens your heart and brings a smile to your face.
Let us live by creating a longing that warms our souls.