Never Underestimate the Power of a Hug: little things with great love

 I'm a hugger.

Whether you're my family, a friend, even a famous person, I prefer a hug over a handshake :)

 One should never underestimate the power of a hug.

I work with cadets at the Citadel and the only physical touch they're likely to get is probably not too tender or nurturing.

I remember last year a cadet came to one of our BCM meetings and as he was leaving, I offered a hug. He told me that was the first hug he had had in 6 weeks. 6 weeks!?! I truly don't think I could function without a hug for that long :/

But so many people do... cadets at military colleges, elderly people who have lost their spouse, orphans around the world, etc.

Tonight was our first gathering this year of all our Citadel BCMers so I was handing out hugs left and right and heard again how it had been weeks since their last hug. And how nice it was to get a hug. The beautiful thing is that it is just as lovely to give a hug as it is to get a hug :)

Simple little things like a hug or a heartfelt smile or a sincere "how are you?" can have a huge impact. I love how Mother Teresa put it:

"We can do no great things, only small things with great love."

What if we didn't set out to save the world or start a company or end a disease (which are all great things, no doubt!) but, instead, started small like starting each day with the intention of doing small things in great love?

Just itty bitty ways to be big blessings.

I think it could have revolutionary impact.

Romans 12 says:

⁹ Don’t just pretend to love others. Really love them... ¹⁰ Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other...¹³ When God’s people are in need, be ready to help them. Always be eager to practice hospitality.

What if the world really lived that out?

There is no better time than now :)

So today, hug someone or give an excessive tip or hold the door or start a conversation, pray for someone, pay for someone's meal... whatever.

Love.

Be a blessing :)