The Power of a Hug

Something happened this morning that I wanted to write about. At church before the service started, I headed to the bathroom. (No, that's not what the story's about!) As I was about to go in, another girl came out. This girl is about 19 years and very sweet and quaint, but as their family is new, I really don't know her very well and we seldom talk. I smiled and said hi, and then to my great surprise she leaned forward and gave me a hug! I was so shocked I just smiled and mumbled, "Thanks!" Brilliant response. I'm not sure why it astonished me so much, but I found that her simple act brightened up the morning thereafter for me! It made me just feel loved and noticed, and in turn made me want to love others. I guess I don't expect hugs except from people I'm really close to or something. The funny thing is that my primary love language is touch, so I found myself wondering afterwards why I'm not more lavish with my "language." Maybe it comes from growing up in a family of words of affirmation and time; my language was sometimes a foreign one, so I learned to not really "speak" unless I knew the recipient wanted it. But this girl's kindly deed sort of convicted me to stop being selfish and just use my language to bless others whenever possible -- maybe even people I don't really know very well. After all, who doesn't like a hug or a simple caring touch? I read somewhere that we should look at everyone as if they have a sign on them saying, "Love me. Notice me. Accept me."

I didn't mean for this to turn into a sermon! I'm sure you're all way better at showing love than I am. Some of us are just a little slower to catch on. :-)