MY HUSBAND: “Um, why did you hug the package guy?”
A surprisingly large number of our conversations start with: “Why did you hug …” (the store clerk, the lady at the gas station, the stranger on the street, etc.).
I’m a hugger. My mom used to say that I came out of the womb that way. My mother didn’t come from a demonstrative family and so she was quite shocked when she suddenly had this child hugging her constantly.
I never grew out of that “phase”. Instead, I now hug not only my loved ones, but strangers too. I figure everyone needs a hug now and then. So, why not give them one of mine?
There are countless books written on the subject of hugging: How many do you need a day to thrive? How many different kinds of hugs are there? Why are hugs necessary in human development? I’m not interested in the science of hugs. I just know that that’s who I am and that’s what I do.
People have often asked me, “Why do your hugs feel so good?” The only answer I can come up with is “because I mean them.” I don’t give cursory hugs. Those are boring. Instead, I really think about the person I’m hugging and I hold them, feeling the love their creator has for them and transferring some of my love to them at the same time.
When we think of God’s gifts we often think in grandiose terms. Who doesn’t want to be a gifted orator, or someone who sings like an angel? But, what about the quieter gifts? Is the lady who serves coffee after services any less important than the famous preacher? How about the mom who works hard to raise great kids? Are her gifts “less than”? I don’t think so!
When I was younger I wanted a fancy gift from God. Instead, I was painfully shy and sang like a sick donkey. I kept praying, “But, I want to make you proud!” Now, I finally see that gifts come in all sizes, and often the small ones are the best. So, I accept that my gift just may be hugging and, while that may seem like a very weird gift, I rather like it. It suits me.
And, the sweet young package deliverer I hugged? Well, he walked away with a huge smile on his face. And, that made my little gift feel very large indeed.
Note: There are those who have led lives that make hugs uncomfortable for them. I always try and read people before I hug them and respect those who prefer not to be hugged.
Read more of Ann’s contributions to allmomdoes here.
