Hugging God

Tyler is a touchy-feely kind of guy. He always has been, even as a newborn. His favorite form of touch is hugging. Usually if you're anywhere in his vicinity, he's trying to hug you. He's even been known to take a flying leaping hug at someone when they're not ready.

So I was very interested to hear his response tonight at bedtime when he asked me, "You know why I love hugging, Mama?" I figured he might say something about liking to be close to people, but I was downright blessed when he explained:

"....and you know how a long time ago you said that doing things for people is like doing things for God?"

(I think he was probably thinking of my loose paraphrase of Matthew 25:40, which says, "I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.")

"....well, that's why I like hugging you. It's like hugging God. Because if I show love to you, it's like I'm showing love to God."

And you know, I think he might be on to something. Can't you feel God loving you through other people sometimes? I think the lesson here is- don't be stingy with your hugs. Somebody might need you to be God's arms of love around them right now.