When we need a hug
This past week, my daughter and grandchildren met me for breakfast at our local country café. My sweet pre-school girl entered the restaurant with a little apprehension, her face reflecting her uncertainty at being in a strange place. As she spied me, joy burst forth and she shouted, “Grammy!” and raced to give me a hug.
Her joy couldn’t have been greater than mine.
As that little body pressed close to me, our hearts overflowed with love for one another. At that moment, nothing mattered except knowing this precious little girl rejoiced at seeing me. In a roomful of strangers, I was able to be her anchor, just for a little while. She felt safe and secure.
When do we feel safe and secure?
God’s Word promises we can be safe and secure in Him.
Those who know your name will trust in you, for you, LORD, have never forsaken those who seek you. (Psalm 9:10)
Let the beloved of the LORD rest secure in him, for he shields him all day long and the one the LORD loves rests between his shoulders. (Deuteronomy 33:12)
My granddaughter’s hug reminded me of our shared love and of our responsibilities as adults to care for our children, but afterward, I pondered another lesson.
We can learn much from our children
- They are open and honest with their feelings.
- They aren’t ashamed of expressing joy, love, and happiness.
- They’re not afraid to let us know just what they need.
- They welcome our hugs and the security of loving arms.
Our children can teach us–if we are willing to receive the lesson
But Jesus called the children to him and said, “Let the children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.” (Luke 18:16-17)
Children soak up information like a sponge. They watch and learn. They try new things. They ask questions. When they see something they want, they go after it.
Do we go after Christ like that–with all our energy and focus–do we follow the path of our Savior because we want it so much it’s our priority?
Jesus reminds us that children are special–they’re the greatest in the kingdom of heaven! Having the qualities of children is our pathway to heaven. I’m not talking temper tantrums here, but enthusiasm, energy, persistence, the willingness to learn new things, the courage to try again when we fail.
At that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, “Who then, is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” He called a little child to him, and placed the child among them. And he said: “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever takes the lowly position of this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. And whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me.” (Matthew 18:1-5)
And about those hugs…
We love and enjoy hugs from our family and loved ones. But sometimes we need a spiritual hug, too, don’t we?
We can find those spiritual hugs through…
- Praise and worship
- Fellowship with other believers
- Prayer and meditation
- Seeking God with humility
- A walk in God’s creation
- Delving into God’s Word
I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 8:38-39)
Where do you find your spiritual hugs? How can we be a helper in sending spiritual hugs to others?
I didn’t know I could say “Amen” and “Thank You Lord” that many times in a two-minute span as I was reading your post Ms. Katherine. So much to enjoy ma’am. One, I’m glad you were able to get some “family time” in. Two, I could almost feel the love and excitement you and granddaughter shared. Three, I know that feeling of a spiritual hug as you describe it. I’ve become addicted to them in fact. Loved this post ma’am. Thank you and God’s blessings.
We all need to be addicted to those “spiritual hugs.” I like to think that our Father feels the same “love and excitement” when we seek Him as I did with my sweet girl’s hug and love. After all, He gave us the powerful emotion of love so He has it, too! I’m so blessed by your encouragement, my friend. Wishing you a week of joy and love (and hopefully some cooler temperatures–we had rain yesterday and today–YAY!)
Katherine, I was right with you in your granddaughter’s greeting as I pictured my little ones doing the same. They show me such unconditional love -a picture of who God is to/for me and who I need to be to others. I’ve only been up 30 minutes but your post was the second time so far I’ve read Romans 8:38-39. Powerful hug to get my day started. Thank you and a hug from me to you!
Thank you for your hug, Marilyn. I feel your goodness and kindness across the miles and I’m thankful. Wishing you a blessed week and sending a hug back to you!
“Our children can teach us–if we are willing to receive the lesson.” So true.
I pray that we will open our hearts and minds to the lessons our Savior teaches us through His children. Wishing you continued joy and blessings in your ministry of service to our Lord.
God made us for fellowship with each other and with Him. Hugs and touch are so important to our emotional and spiritual stability. And those sweet child hugs are so special. I can feel what you experienced when your granddaughter saw you. It is a also an experience I treasure with mine.
I never believed the joy of “grandmotherhood” until God blessed my with my two sweet little ones. I agree–we are made for fellowship, family, friends, and love. God’s creation is an amazing miracle of love.
Grandkids (and greats) are such blessings! Thanks for a wonderful message, Katherine. God bless!
Thank you for your encouragement, Nancy. I hope to have some “greats” someday. May God continue to bless you, your family, and your ministry.
I love hugs. Kids can teach us so much. I just have to remember to pay attention.
You are absolutely right, Jen. I need that “pay attention” reminder, too. I hope you have a great week!
I am blessed to have been raised in a hugging family and my husband and I do this readily with each other and our young adult children who comfortably receive them. I consider God’s goodness to provide spiritual hugs for all in need, particularly inmates, homeless, shut ins …
Hugs are wonderful. I miss them and look forward to my little girl’s hugs that she shares willingly. I’m grateful for God’s spiritual hugs and His knowledge of when I need them most. Thank you for reminding us of those in need. We are called to share God’s love with others and I expect like me, others forget to do so in the fast lane of life. Praying your week is blessed.
Your story about your granddaughter reminded me of one of my own daughter when she was a preschooler. What a difference it makes to see the familiar face of one we trust. How we need the reassuring hugs of our Father in these uncertain times.
And isn’t it wonderful for us to have the assurance of that always trustworthy and familiar presence of our Lord. He is always ready to give us that spiritual hug, especially during our times of greatest need. Thank you for stopping by, Debbie. I hope your week is filled with joy and blessings.
Well, I’d give you a hug if I could, but it is a little long distance. I too am grateful for the unconditional love of Jesus. I find that when I linger in His presence with His Word on my lap, I find the spiritual hugs I’m so hungry for. Thanks for the thoughtful post!
Thank you for the distance “hug”, Sylvia. I felt the warmth of your kindness and encouragement across the miles between us. Wishing you hugs and blessings!
Lately, I have felt like I need a lot of spiritual hugs. Just today my friend asked me to swing by her house so we could pray together. My first response was – I dont have time. But then I realized it was exactly what I needed. So glad I went by and got my spiritual hug.
Thank you for sharing that experience, Karen. Often times I will begrudge a task (even a good one) when I feel the pressure of time to accomplish my “to do” list. I find comfort that I’m not the only one. Like you, I always receive a blessing, even when in the beginning, I wasn’t happy about the change in “my” plan. Thankfully, our Father always has the better plan. Wishing you joy and blessings!
Such a wonderful and heartwarming post. Thinking about the spiritual hugs God gives me, just when I need them, fills my heart with joy. Thank you for sharing.
Thank you for your kindness and encouragement, Dawn. Hoping your week is full of joy, laughter, and hugs!
Katherine, this post is so timely for me. God is good! Thank you for the beautiful reminder of how we can come to God knowing we are completely safe and secure.
Security within God’s loving care is a blessing beyond what our feeble minds can comprehend. We are treasured! Thank you for taking a moment to read my message. I’m so glad it was meaningful for you.
I can’t tell you the number of times God has used my grandchildren to provide a lift and reminder that I am loved. I also believe children are life’s best teachers in not only spiritual matters but many other areas of life.
Sending you a virtual hug this week!
As teachers, I think we recognize the importance of lifelong learning and that it’s never too late to learn! As you point out, we learn so much from our children (and our students). Thank you for the virtual hug! Much needed and appreciated.
Grandkids teach me so many things about our Heavenly Father. I am so glad you got to spend time with yours. After your wonderful message, I will give mine an extra hug next time I see them.
Aren’t our grandchildren just the best thing ever? I never understood how folks could be so passionate about grandchildren–UNTIL I had some. It’s such a blessing (as I’m sure you agree, Yvonne). I love those opportunities for extra hugs. Blessings!
I love these lessons from a hug!! We can learn so much from children, for sure! Thank you, Katherine for a sweet story and your insights from it! They’re always helpful and encouraging!
Thanks so much for your encouragement, Kathy. I hope you have a wonderful weekend, filled with joy and blessings.
I enjoy those sweet hugs from my grandchildren. Precious! And I love spiritual hugs from the Lord too! His often come when I’m not expecting them!