It used to be that hugs were natural. Now we must be careful not to send the wrong message. Social distancing has made it impossible to show affection, to encourage or show concern with an embrace. We’ should be conscious of how others feel, especially when it comes to children or vulnerable individuals. On the other hand, I think we all inwardly crave hugs from time to time.
I come from a long line of huggers. Most of my aunts and uncles had no problem with planting a big one on us. Part of it was a show of love. Part was because we hadn’t seen each other for a while. Mostly it was because it was how we were raised. Being part of the theatre community, it’s also quite natural for me to hug fellow cast members, directors and colleagues. The same is true of fellow believers in Christ. We become part of an extended family. Add to that, our separation from each other, due to the pandemic.
It’s really sad in a way, because we all need reassurance from time to time. We’re slowly losing some of our means of communicating by not being able to hug. Part of that has been inflicted upon us as a means to protect us. Part is caused by society as a whole.
I’m all for being conscious of others’ feelings. I certainly wouldn’t want to create any insecurity in another individual with an unwanted hug. It’s hard for us old fogies to give up what once was a sincere demonstration of caring, rather than a sinister or thoughtless deed. Now we must wait for someone else to initiate the hug. If that’s the case, we’ll soon be longing for them and no hugs will happen. What a sad thought.
Lord, I ask that you end this period of isolation soon. Whether it be through a new vaccine, a sure way to cure any disease or simply so that we don’t lose our ability to communicate true friendship to those we care about. Only you can bring us the answers. I pray for you intercession and constant presence in all situations, in the name of our Savior, Jesus. Amen!
atimetoshare.me 
I have 2 places I attend where we hug and it produces healing.
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I said this very same thing last night to Gregory.
When will we be able to hug folks again.
I’d taken him out to eat for his birthday last evening.
The restaurant we go to is about 45 minutes from here in a small town.
The food is French and great.
They have done a great job with their distancing and we’ve eaten with them for years.
Some of the waitresses have been with them since we found them…they use to always be huggers when they see us coming in.
Now…not so much.
They wear masks and keep a distance.
I long to hug those I run into having not seen them for a while.
Now I dread going out because of the masks, the fogging glasses, the difficulty breathing,
and the nervous eyes all peering out over the tops of these masks.
I was going to write about the very same thing but I might veer to another lane for tomorrow.
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I’d love to hear your take on it. I am so fearful of how the world will change if this thing ever goes away😷
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I fear we’re living a once futuristic novel
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Kathy, thanks for sharing your prayer. With God fueling our patience, we can look forward to the day we can hug loved ones, colleagues, church members, and anyone else. My three youngest grandchildren (all age three and under) in Montana are waiting for some hugs.
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I hope you’ll be able to return there soon and do just that.
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As we are both finding out, we need to walk patiently with our Lord.
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