About Hugging

Are you a hugger? Me, not so much because of my stoic Scandinavian background; however, every Tuesday morning we head out to our local grocery store. After choosing our groceries, we go to the same cashier, a middle -aged Indian woman we have become very good friends with since Covid days. We even invited her to our home in January for lunch. She insists each week that she hugs both of us after we have paid her even when there are other customers waiting in line after us. Her fellow express cashier has followed her example as well. You never know what is going through people’s minds and hearts.

Hugging can be quite a cultural thing. Our Spanish neighbour across the street came by one day. We had quite an in-depth spiritual conversation with her and she and her two sons actually came to church one Sunday. They have lived in Canada for some time, but when they came initially it was really awkward for them as Spanish people like to hug but some of us reserved Canadians from a European background are not as free with their hugs except when they are celebrating happy or sad occasions. She questioned herself, “Do we just dive into the hug or not when talking with someone else?” Interesting!

We don’t do an awful lot of hugging at Hillside Church as yet. We do know that there are lots of Milton residents in this ever-growing town that really could use a hug. Their burdens they are carrying seem to be so very heavy. If they were to attend, they would find new friendships that could give them the emotional support they need. Please pray that Scott can find some Heritage students who would be willing to help him knock on doors to find those that would be interested.

Did you know that five books of the New Testament have verses reminding the Christians to “greet one another with a holy kiss” or a “kiss of love”? That action probably involves hugging as well, which is a great sign of family enjoyment with one another.

Gary is working on writing a series of books called The Ordinary Church Advantage series. Maybe I should get him to add this important concept of hugging in the church It could become contagious.

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!

Wendy