Thankful Hearts - The Five Senses

Today, I am thankful for … the sense of TOUCH.

"And they were bringing children to him that he might touch them, and the disciples rebuked them. But when Jesus saw it, he was indignant and said to them, 'Let the children come to me; do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God. Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it.' And he took them in his arms and blessed them, laying his hands on them." Mark 10: 13-16

I haven't always been a touchy/feely person. My sister is! I never noticed the huge difference until she moved away and would come to visit. Then, once I had children, my sister would visit with such emotion. She'd grab my children as soon as she arrived, hug them relentlessly, and then move to me. Most times, she'd acknowledge that she was hugging me longer than she knew I wanted, but she'd also express that she didn't care. Aren't sisters fun!

As I've grown older, and life has had its difficulties, I am becoming more and more grateful for this gift of touch. There's just something about a gentle hug from a trusted friend, or sister. You simply cannot beat the intuitive touch of a mentor who sees the underlying stress and uses touch to cause you to slow down, pause, pay attention to what is here and now. And, don't even get me started on the joy of holding a squishy baby with all of his/her unconditional love.

I love this passage of scripture, because Jesus was looking at a group of striving adults and calling them to lay down all of their pretenses and act like children. And, what do children do?

They jump right into someone' s personal space. Personal, physical boundaries aren't a "thing" for kids.

They touch each other constantly. It's like they need to feel the presence of another person in a literal way all the time.

They reach out instinctively. It would not dawn on a child to not reach out for actual help when danger, fear, or sadness take over.

And, we are being invited to act like children! What does that invitation feel like to you? How do you want to respond to this post? Jesus is very personal, and I believe He's offering a personal invitation to each of us today. Do you need to get in the presence of a human and ask for a hug? Do you need to spend some time with little people and enjoy the freedom in their touch? Or, do you need to sit with Jesus and ask Him to show you why you've closed yourself in and no longer feel comfortable with the touch of other humans.

Wherever you find yourself today, I have full faith and confidence that God receives you right there. You don't have to hide. You don't have to explain. You get to rest in His loving arms just exactly like a child. Enjoy, friend! It's the best place to be.

Exploring Scripture: 1 Peter 5:14; Mark 1:40-41

Heavenly Father, I'm so thankful for Your touch. Some days, I feel like I ned Your very real touch and so I'll ask for You to send someone who can offer me a touch from You. Today, I pray that for any one of my sisters that needs to experience an actual and loving touch. Thank you for giving us this gift. Thank you for allowing us to experience the unity and fellowship the gift of touch brings. You are so loving and good!