Handshakes and Hugs

It was a vicious storm with 80 mile-an-hour winds, waves of stinging rain and nickel-sized hail that turned the asphalt white. When it was over, people ventured out to assess the damage and to make contact with each other. Words were spoken, smiles shared, stories told and somewhere in the mix of it all, there was a touch, a handshake or a pat on the back or a hand laid on a shoulder. It was as if the conversation of concern, compassion and caring was sealed with a touch. When I was a little boy and I did something “naughty” like little boys will do sometimes, it was good to hear my parent or grandparent say; “All is well, everything is okay; you are forgiven.” But it wasn’t enough. “Can I have a hug, Grandma?”

There are hugs of “hello” and hugs of “I forgive you” and hugs of “hang on; it’s going to be okay” but whatever kind of hug it is, a gentle touch or a bear hug, human touch links and connects. Remember the derogatory phrase “touchy, feely”? Well, surprise, surprise! When neighbors or nations lose the capacity to touch or feel, when we build barricades and throw bricks at each other…or bullets…we will never be healed and restored and renewed. The day will come when former enemies look at each other through moist eyes and ask: “Can I have a hug, please?” But in the meantime, God forgive us for all the damage we can and will do to each other.

God, have mercy on your wandering children. Christ, forgive our intentional forgetfulness of your meaning and message. God, can we have a hug, please? And when that hug is truly felt, there is only one remaining to give or receive. And that’s the hardest one.