Just A Hug

Most Saturdays we make our way over to Zellers for breakfast with some friends. What a great way to start the weekend. Upon arriving, we head for the semicircular booth so we can see each other while sitting around the table. (Did I ever tell you that this is the best positioning of the pews in a church?) Recently another couple we don’t know arrived earlier then us and took that booth. Two people in a booth for five and maybe six. It’s been comical seeing them run for the table. It’s been a running joke to see if they get there before us. The waitresses are in on it as well.
Just recently, our friends arrived early and stood in line waiting to be let into the restaurant. They arrived before the other couple. When we arrived, we went up to the front of the line to join them and greeted each other with hugs and a smile.
Then something wonderful and heart warming happened. Right behind our friends were three other groups of people. The first group was two ladies having a nice animated conversation and evidently feeling great about Saturday morning as well. We had just finished our hugs when one of the women said to our group, “Are they exclusive hugs, or can anyone have one.” Well don’t ask me twice. I reached out and hugged her, and then offered one to her friend without asking. The wonderful part is, with broad smiles they hugged back. You know what I mean.
Maybe that is what is missing in our world. Not enough hugs. I watched a video on youtube a number of months ago where two young people stood in the town square holding signs that read, “Free Hugs.” It took a while for the first hug but then it caught on. Facial expressions changed. Smiles came, curiosity showed on other faces and it became a wonderful, heart warming happening for many people.
As an interim minister I look for two things when I first visit a church. The first thing I look for is laughter. So key in know the people believe in a loving God who isn’t mad at them. The second thing I look for is hugs. That act of kindness tells me people care for each other.
Next Sunday when you arrive at church, look for those two things. If they are not there, start a movement. If it is there, praise God and then take the laugher of the redeemed with you into the streets and hug someone else who wasn’t there.
Something to think about.
Rob