I love hugs.

There is something special about a caring embrace that even an onlooker appreciates.

Hugs have been part of the American culture for longer than I have been alive [insert your joke here about my age].

While hugs have been around a long time, it is my undocumented opinion that hugs are more popular that when I was a teen.

I might have been too lonely, self-centered or busy to notice hugs as I walked through Lincoln School [my junior high] or East Leyden High School, but I seldom saw people hug one another in school.

Sure, there were couples making out here and there, but hugs were not very common then.  But, every day when I am in a school I see friends embrace.  I see genuine, caring, guy-grunting, smile-screaming, girl-giggling, fun-filled hugs, and I love it!

Why the change?  I have my theories, but regardless why, I’m glad.

Hugs and all genuinely welcoming embraces like handshakes, high-fives and fist bumps,  connect people through meaningful touch; they show unity.  They show common acceptance, interest and support.

When I think about connecting with people I think of those hugs and kisses, high-fives and fist bumps.

When I think about God I do not think of any of those “embraces”.

I feel a little bit sad about that.

I’m not fond of dirty, smelly feet, but I’d love to sit next to Jesus Christ and see the dust on his feet.

I don’t like to smell bad breath, but I’d be happy to happy to smell Jesus’ fishy breath after we made a shore lunch of fresh fish.

I could do without the intrusion of body odor, but I’d be okay with working hard alongside Jesus as we finished a carpentry project.

I would love to get a hug and have Jesus whisper in my ear “Scott, I like you.  I really like you.”

I hear God’s affirming words through you and other people.

Amy just kissed me goodbye and I experience God’s love through her.

Those are really important to me, but I want to give back.

I want to show God my love and it’s not gonna be through a kiss or a kind word.

I want to give something more!