Hugs

“This is my commandment, that you love one another, as I have loved you.” John 16:12

I recently saw a little meme that said, “Sometimes in life, we just need a hug… no words, no advice, just a hug to make us feel better.” I don’t know of anyone who doesn’t love to give and receive hugs.

For as long as I can remember, I’ve always been a hugger. Even now as I write this, I’m missing my sweet Shelly’s hugs. It didn’t matter if we saw each other ten times a day, we’d always hug and say, “I love you.” Shelly was a big hugger, just like her mom. Suffice it to say, I miss my sweet girl, her hugs, and the overall love she never failed to show me. But I am comforted by the fact that one day we will hug again! And it will be wonderful!

Experts say that hugs are really good medicine. Recently, I went to the nail salon. To my surprise, one of the nail techs who had worked where I used to go now works at the current salon where I go. I had not seen Rosie in many months and we had big smiles on our faces when we spotted each other. As we greeted each other like old friends, Rosie paused work with her client, stood up, and we exchanged big hugs right there in front of everyone. It was a sweet moment.

Even though Rosie and I don’t speak the same language, smiles and hugs are universal. It was easy for our hearts to connect in that manner without a word being spoken. That little encounter made my day. I was so happy to see Rosie. Just as I did, I hope she felt valued and loved from the simple exchange of a hug between the two of us.

So let me encourage you to hug someone today if given the opportunity. Such an action on your part will always make a difference not only in that person’s life but in your own.

I equate hugs with joy, so here’s a little chorus I hadn’t thought of in years:

This is my commandment that you love one another,
That your joy may be full

This is my commandment that you love one another,
That your joy may be full

That your joy may be full,
That your joy may be full

This is my commandment that you love one another,
that your joy may be full 🎶🎶🎶🎶

Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, You created hugs for us humans to be able to connect in such a way that we feel valued and loved. That love comes from You and we thank You for such a wonderful gift! Please help us not to become so distracted with the busyness of our days that we forget the importance of sharing Your love and light with others. Give us many opportunities to be more connected with others each day. I pray this in Jesus’ name. Amen.