This morning I was thinking about receiving random hugs and the meaning behind them. While seated on the back row of the church, a little girl about age 3 or 4 came up and stood around waiting to give me a hug. She smiled and looked at me like I was a Disney princess, celebrity or at least someone she already knew. I gathered her in and gave her a big hug. I was touched by the pure love, generosity, and innocence of this small child and her willingness to reach out to me. When the meeting was over, another child, this time a toddler boy did the same thing. Perhaps he was mimicking his sister. I don't know if they belonged to the same family or if the mother sent them over because they thought I needed a hug. I don't know. It has just never happened to me before. And the more I think about it, the more I realize we all could use some random hugs from people we don't know, especially children.
Later we gathered for ward conference to talk about ministering to one another. I felt prompted to share the experience I had earlier in the morning. The thought, "And a child shall lead them" came to my mind as I thought of these sweet children. They were showing me how to reach out and share the love of the Lord with everyone I see. They were not afraid to approach me. They were not concerned about what I would think of them-or if they would be rejected. Their gesture was so natural and sincere, it makes me want to follow their example of showing love. They were teaching me-leading me.
I was reminded of the scene in the Bible when Jesus said, "Suffer the
little children to come unto me, for such is the kingdom of God." I
usually focus on how the children must have felt, being so close to the
Savior and feeling his love. But today, I thought of how wonderful it
must have been for the Savior to receive hugs from sweet little
children. Maybe they were also random kids. It would be a great lifelong goal to have the love and light of the Savior fill my countenance-so much
that others would want to be near me and I could draw them in to love
and comfort them. Through the example of the Savior, I learn that a simple touch can heal.
I love giving side hugs and fist bumps with the children at work. It's
some of the best work I do. Some severely traumatized students cannot
tolerate touch at all. I give them space, respect their boundaries, and
give them love and attention in other ways. Sometimes I can give a
mental hug with a sincere compliment, thoughtfully listening, giving special consideration, letting them lead, or spending individual time with them. My new work schedule (T-S 11-7) provides an opportunity to do just that.
It's been a real adjustment staying later in the evening and working on
Saturdays but it is needed, and I can see the need firsthand. It feels
right to reach out to the children-to play with them-to be with them.
Perhaps these little hugs I received this morning were to help me accept my new work schedule and not resent the change. Kids need hugs and so do we, no matter how random they may appear. I
can embrace it!
