Hugs
One of the most powerful forms of communication is the language of touch. In many ways, we learn about the world through touch. A baby’s tiny digits cup the loving finger of a parent while feeding. A feathery tickle produces smiles and giggles of joy. Eskimo and butterfly kisses end the day and start a restful sleep. Many learn how much we are loved through touch. Sadly touch can also be used in very harmful and inappropriate ways as well. We must be extremely wise and cautious when speaking the language of touch.
Hugs are particularly powerful tools of communication. They express many feelings. A friendly side hug assures a person they are highly valued. The back-slapping bro hug conveys great respect. A big warm bear hug shows sincere care. Have you ever… Cried in someone’s arms? Fallen asleep to the rhythm of another’s heartbeat? Squeezed someone so tight because you did not want them to leave?
Sitting down, Jesus called the Twelve and said, “Anyone who wants to be first must be the very last, and the servant of all.” He took a little child whom he placed among them. Taking the child in his arms, he said to them, “Whoever welcomes one of these little children in my name welcomes me; and whoever welcomes me does not welcome me but the one who sent me.” (Mark 9: 35-37 NIV)
Jesus used a hug to demonstrate true greatness. His disciples were like many of us. They desired greatness by climbing the ladder of success. Who is the smartest? Who is the best speaker? Who is the most dominant leader? Sharing our talents is vitally important to the building up of community. However, Jesus knows that greatness is not found in achievements. Rather it is humbly found in serving and embracing each other.
Moreover, Jesus modeled greatness by holding a child. In the Jewish culture of His day, children were not considered to be of great importance. It was thought that very little wisdom could be found in a child. They were cared for and valued, but mostly ignored when it came to matters of significance. In other words, “go away kid, you bother me.” So, when Jesus discussed greatness while holding a child, it was quite shocking. His point, greatness is found when we serve and embrace our most fragile, vulnerable, fellow human beings. Further, we feel greatness when we allow ourselves to be embraced as fragile and vulnerable.
Which brings us back to the importance of a good healthy hug. The spiritual present of a wonderful hug is found in the joyful realization of our need for God and each other. Hugs build up trust and communicate love. Truth is, we all have the need to be loved. We each should have the stuffings squeezed out of us often.
Today is God’s Present!
