— Chapter Thirteen —
Today as I was driving home, I sensed that there was something I needed, but couldn’t quite figure it out. I wasn’t terribly depressed or overwhelmed. Tears had not run down my face. Puzzled by this feeling, I shrugged my shoulders as I drove home in silence. The closer I got to my driveway, the clearer my thoughts became. “I know what it is! I need a hug!” A hug would be a little reminder that I am special to someone; that someone special cares for me.
I opened the kitchen door, deposited my briefcase and purse on the kitchen chair, and bounded for the stairs. Kneeling by my bed, I said, “Lord, you know exactly how I’m feeling. I don’t know how You will do it, but I just need a hug from You right now. I need a little reassurance that I am special to You.”
I pictured my Father slightly bending His knees with outstretched arms, ready to pick me up and whirl me around. I wanted to feel a big burly hug, one that said, “I’ve been waiting to do this all day!”
While in my familiar spot on my knees, I opened His Word like a treasure of great wealth thumbing through the passages that told my heart, “I love you, Donna!43 You are so special to Me! Go, now44...and remember, I do love you!”45
How could I describe a message so priceless? Words could not adequately express those tender moments. All I knew was that after kneeling at that place, I felt loved. No profound theological dissertation, just a tender touch of His love.
“Oh, Lord, thank You for caring about the little things in my life—even my need for a hug.”
Every night when I come home from work, God is waiting for that hug, but do I take the time to go upstairs to receive it? Not always. At times I get too preoccupied. My own agenda preempts those special times with Him. Sadly, when I’m too busy, I miss out on all those tender moments and loving touches He wants to share with me. And sometimes a hug is all you need!
“For He has satisfied the thirsty soul, And the hungry soul He has filled with what is good” (Psalm 107:9 NASB).
Copyright 2001, 2004 Donna Christensen
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Published Online by: The Biblical Reader
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