I'm maybe by nature a sympathetic person. I have this urge to hug people who are hurting. Not everybody likes being hugged, especially by a total stranger. In addition, some hugs can be totally misinterpreted. It's necessary to control oneself sometimes. A touch on the arm can be sufficient, or at least be what's most needed at the time.
There is something that physically happens when a hug or a touch is given or received, isn't there? The heart responds, sometimes in amazing ways. Grieving tears can be loosened or released. Old wounds can be healed in an instant. Forgiveness flows.
When my boys were young, sometimes they got into squabbles. I had a flat wooden paint stick that was the spanking stick. When one boy got a swat, so did the other one--it was never just one kid at fault. Then I would have them hug each other. The hug might start out reluctant or even feisty, but it always ended up the same--really hugging. It worked.
Have you ever considered hugging the one you are angry with? Or at least shaking hands or patting on the back or arm? It can't hurt, and it might help. Let the healing happen.
Father, help us with this process. Forgiveness, love, empathy--it all comes directly from You. Somehow, back when You created mankind, You put that miraculous healing touch in us. May we remember, always, to use it for You. In Jesus's Name, Amen.
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