Touch

The power of touch can come in many different forms, but each one is just as important to our well being. When was the last time you received a hug from someone?  It may have been just this morning. How did that gentle hug or a kiss from a loved one make you feel?   Now recall the last time you reached out to someone that needed a little TLC?  How often during our day do you and I encounter opportunities to take unselfish time to offer our care, concern and love through a simple touch conveying that we understand?  That touch can come through a simple, physical exchange or through many other satisfying forms. In this day and age of technology (as I sit here and type on my computer) we are blessed to be able by other means, like high-speed internet, “Apps” like Facebook and Instagram, or even a simple text or email to be able to reach out to our friends and loved ones far away.  I think how comforting it still is to be both the sender and the receiver of a simple phone call or handwritten note or card through the old fashion “snail mail.” But I also don’t want to leave behind our basic need of physical touch – how good it feels to grasp the hand of another human being in ours or the warmth of a reassuring hand on our shoulder, expressing, without words, that all will be alright?  The experience of one physical encounter for someone that is hurting or in need of healing is what Jesus built his ministry on.  I know what a difference it makes to me when I’m able to comfort someone else – focusing only on their needs and the physical warmth of my arms (Jesus’ arms) wrapped around them in love.  I think most times it creates as much healing for us as it does for the receiver.  It truly is the work of the Holy Spirit.  So, today, let’s not forget the miracle of how touch, in all it’s different forms, affects you and me and how necessary it is for our survival.  The many stories in the bible are proof of the power of touch, as Jesus moves from town to town healing the sick and preaching the Word of God. Although many times it was His physical healings, those healings were directly connected to Jesus also healing their souls and spirit as well.  Today, for my prayer time, I think I will reflect upon the times when a friend or stranger has reached out to me in my time of need with a simple hug, a touch of reassurance on my shoulder or time spent in just listening and caring through a simple phone call, text or email.  “Jesus, help me to go forth and be your gentle and healing touch here on earth, reaching out to those that are in need. Help me to always be an example of your love”.  I pray that you will join me today in touching the lives of others by continuing to walk in the steps of Jesus in his ministry of spreading his love .

“When the disciples heard this, they fell face down and were terrified.  And Jesus came to them and touched them and said, “Get up, and do not be afraid.”  Matthew 17:6