Sacramental Living

A week ago, on a breezy Monday night, my family and I joined some friends from my faith community outside a store to give away something: free hugs. It was part of International Free Hug Day.

I floated out the idea to some people to see who (if anyone) was interested. Actually found a person who loved the idea, headed it up, invited others, etc.

I must confess … I was way out of my comfort zone. I signed up to make a sign, but not to be a hugger. I made a big sign that required both arms to hold it up. I figured that way I wouldn’t be hugging anyone.

Well, as the hour passed by, I found myself hugging people. They didn’t care that I was holding a big sign … they were hugging me!

I learned a few things that night:

1. People expect someone outside a store holding a sign to ask them for something … The idea of giving something away is unexpected.

2. There are people in the world who need human touch. For more on this, check out my blogging friend, Brian Postlewait, and his post Anatomy of Embrace. He exegetes the theology of hugs much better than I could.

3. The people who seem most ready and most needy for hugs are children. This event happening during the same week that we welcomed a new baby girl into our family, causes me to be available for children. We have no idea what home situations they are in. Children need hugs … and smiles, kind words, nice surprises.

SO TELL ME SOMETHING:
When’s the last time you sacrificed your comfort zone? What did you experience?

——

Brian Niece
www.brianniece.com
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Warning: Birth Announcement straight ahead …

Well, overflow teens, looks like Matthew Larson guessed it:  putt-putt golf on Jekyll Island.  We’ll also do some Word-Share-Prayer on the beach.

Be at GCC at 1pm this Saturday.  We’ll be back by 3:30pm.  Bring $4.