Huggers

After rehearsing for about an hour and a half each Friday night, the men of our chorus get together to share and pray. During each concert, we invite members of the audience to write out prayer requests or praises on a card we distribute to everyone. We pray over these at each rehearsal. But we also share with each other our own concerns and praises.

This past June, one of our baritones mentioned how happy and excited he was with his new twin grandsons. He said he really enjoyed holding them, especially when they are awake. He said there is something about being able to interact with them, even at their young age. Many of the guys could affirm that feeling. And I thought back to when my own children were young. How my wife and I waited with anticipation for them to wake from their naps and for them to come to us for hugs and assurances of love.

When our granddaughter was born, my wife started it all over again (I admit I did too). When Boo is down for a nap, we sit there just waiting with a desire, willing her awake. Then she comes running from her room crying, Grandma! Grandpa! And there are hugs and kisses for everyone.

I’ve often tried to envision how our Creator felt just after he’d breathed that breathe of life into Adam. I think He, too, leaned back to wait with joyous anticipation, waiting for those eyelids to flutter open the very first time. I can see Him hugging His new child, and telling him how much He loved him.

I can also imagine Him, each morning, waiting for us to awaken. Can you see Him there beside your bed, waiting for you to greet Him?

But there are some of His creatures who are spiritually asleep. Even though they are alive, they’re not aware of His great desire to hold, comfort, assure and love each one. Every day, I can see Him sitting there, praying that they’ll awaken spiritually, and reach out for the One who loves them supremely. Somehow, those who are awake need to gently waken the others so they, too, can join in the joy.

A number of years ago, you could often see cars with bumper stickers that asked, “Have you hugged a tree today?” And I would not detract for one moment from the great responsibility of proper stewardship of God’s creation.

But I would propose that there is an even more important question than whether or not we’ve hugged a tree today. That question is, “Have you hugged your Creator, the God of the universe, today?”

Go ahead, do it right now. Make His day!

Dr. G