Hugs

One of my favorite things to do right now is to hug. Not just a quickie, glad to see you, now move on hug; but a long, lingering hug.

In college, at the Bible Chair, we forbid FBC hugs - Full Body Contact hugs. They were off-limits because, well, you know those raging hormones on both sides of the species in college. So, we'd be sure nothing touched except for arms and maybe a hip if it was a side-to-side one. Only dating couples were allowed, and they were closely monitored!!

As I've aged, I've found great comfort in hugs that connect you with the soul of the huggee - one to share a moment of peace and love in an otherwise hurry-up world. I think it started in the latter days of my mom's life - we weren't always on the best of terms, but I'd heard that widows and widowers often craved physical touch when they were alone, so I tried to remember that when I was with mom. It was something meant for her, and yet I came to really enjoy those brief moments of affection. Now, I hug all my kids at school, and pretty much most people at church, just because it feels so good. To stand and hold Jackie or Roxanne in my arms while we talk is almost Heaven to me - a closeness that goes deep to my very soul.

It IS better to give than to receive - but in this case, it's all the same!!