[[Touch]]

i LOVE hugs.

I love hugging people that I haven't seen in a while, or people I won't see for a while. I love to give someone a random hug just because I love them. I love hugs when I wake up and hugs before I go to sleep. I'm not sure why. But I think, to a degree, many people crave touch. I say many because I have met people that don't like to be touched. They are not huggers. And they have their different reasons. But I am a hugger, for sure. I think it would be fun to just give people hugs on the street one day. Just like the hugs video. It makes me smile every time I watch it. You should watch it too. :-)


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vr3x_RRJdd4

Anyway, I think touch can mean so many things. When a small child falls and gets hurt, most times it wants to be held until the stinging stops. When a person just gets bad news, a close friend or spouse will squeeze their hand just to let them know they are there and are going to walk through it with them. A hug can mean a joy to see someone, a comfort in a hurting time, a deep care for someone's life, or just a sign of love.

I've been working night shifts. So, in an attempt to keep a regular sleep schedule, I have been staying up the nights I don't work also. In the wee hours of the morning, I was realizing how much Jesus loves people, deeply loves them, and I was again reminded of my heart and my love for broken people (and people in general, for that matter). And I started wondering why it is that I like to hug so much. And I started thinking about the various times I was sitting with people who were sharing hurtful experiences or going through hard times. If I'm close enough to them, I normally end up just wrapping my arms around them. And if I'm not that close with the person, everything inside of me just wants to wrap my arms around them. There are just things in life that we don't have answers for. And at that point, I feel like a hug is the most I can do to tell a person that I love them and care about them, even if I don't have words.

I love hugging my family. I love hugging my friends. And I love long hugs-hugs that are more than just a passing by, but a hug that says, "I genuinely value your life." I love having a shoulder to lean on and being a shoulder to lean on. I love a kiss on the cheek or top of the head as a quick sign of affection. I love standing beside family or friends and throwing my arm around them and watching waves on a beach or a sunset-something so simple, yet so meaningful.

I'm not sure why I'm sharing this with you. Maybe just because I think it's important. Very important. Don't forget to take time to show the people in your life that you love them. If you're not a touch person, find another way. But it's important to love.

Jesus loved. I want to love. :-)

 

                                                   Dad and I on Easter Sunday, 2010