Today, as I read a devotional, I was moved to tears. The author herself was deeply touched by a homeless vet who needed food and supplies who had reached out to her ministry for help. When she took him the things he needed, she asked him if she could pray with him. As she prayed, she reached out her hands to touch his, and as she did he began to sob. The focus of her message was not meeting the man’s physical needs, but on the healing power of the human touch.

Modern day society has forgotten the power of loving our neighbors through human touch. We have lost the art of becoming people who take the time to show concern or affection through reaching out to others through the kindness of physical touch. When someone offers a hug as a greeting, the touch of a hand or arm in conversation, or an arm around your shoulder during prayer, it becomes personal; you can feel the care in that touch. Recently my nephew came by to visit and before he left, he gave me no less than six hugs! His expression of love and how much he had missed me was unexpected and very healing at a difficult time. His expression of affection and care made my day so much better.

The past two weeks of my life have been filled with a flurry of emotions and reactions to the physical devastation around me. The outpouring of love and concern was overwhelming with visits, calls, texts, and the offer of staying with family until my power was restored. When I entered my cousin’s home, the first thing she did was hug me and say how glad she was that I had come. The power of the human touch-if she had said nothing, her hug would have said everything.

I believe God doesn’t waste anything that occurs in our lives, and I have learned so much through what Charles Dickens would describe as worst of times. Slowing down my pace, listening more clearly, waiting patiently, and taking time to breathe and actually sit and talk to people around me has been so enriching spiritually and emotionally. My teaching job moves at such a rapid pace, I tend to forget to spend time engaging with people and enjoying their company, sadly even family who live nearby. Fortunately, when we find ourselves wandering away from God’s prescribed path, the Holy Spirit knows exactly how to get us back on track through simple daily encounters like a good conversation, an unexpected visit, and the care and warmth of the human touch. I encourage you to take some time this weekend to share God’s gift of a loving touch with someone you have not seen in awhile to let him or her know that you still care.

Blessings to you all . . .❤️