June 19
Scripture: Eph 4:32
Source author: Dianna Brumfield
June 19
Hugs—Pass Them On! Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you. —Ephesians 4:32
When she was living with us, I noticed that my octogenarian mother had a definite need for touch. She tried fulfilling it by trying to get her grandson, my son, to hug her. At his independent stage, he was not interested. Mom persisted, but he, just as adamantly, refused. He’d say, “I’m all out of hugs, Grammie.” I thought of a solution to this dilemma. Surprising him with a tight squeeze, I exclaimed, “Now you have a hug; I just gave you one. You can give one to Grammie.” Developing a crooked little grin, he thought it over, and then ran to give her an embrace. We all got in on the act and felt better about each other. Touching can be contagious! The elderly can easily fade into the background when they’re uninvolved or have trouble with sight or hearing. Expressing kindness to the aged will make more sense when we find ourselves on the other side of the rocking chair.
A gentle hug for older folks—and anyone else—makes them feel like the treasures they are. — Dianna Brumfield —