Hug Like Jesus!

Ellie loves to give and receive hugs from kids. AKA “friends”. Recently she came dashing out of the play area at chick Fil a to catch a new friend at the exit. He was leaving and she wanted to hug him good bye. It’s not an uncommon occurrence for her to hug every kid who leaves the chick Fil a play area. However, this is the 3rd time this month that her hug has been turned down. 😢 We’ve been teaching Ellie that not everyone is open to physical touch. She has to ask for a hug and can’t demand it. If the friend says “no” we encourage her to smile and say “I had fun with you” before saying goodbye. Today when getting Ellie in the car my heart hurt for her little heart. So, I asked her how she felt when the friend didn’t hug her. She responded with a big smile,.“It’s ok mom! Maybe next time!”

There are moments in life when we get so hurt by others. A friend does not respond the way we were hoping, a coworker isn’t easy to get along with, a student is pressing our buttons or that stranger is not open to our help. We take these situations to heart as if there is something wrong with us. We leave the situation hurt and confused. Maybe we should all respond the same as Ellie. We should just say “Maybe next time.” The reason people behave the way they do is sometimes nothing more then they just aren’t feeling a hug at the moment. Don’t carry the reactions, responses or choices of others on your shoulders! That’s a lot of weight to carry. Continue offering help. Continue to respond in love. Continue to be patient with that co worker or student. Continue to offer up hugs. Eventually someone who really needs it will hug back. Most of all continue to be just like Jesus in every situation.

Author: helenarayos2014

Howdy! I am passionate about sharing simple God lessons through everyday real life events in my daily life. I’ve been writing since I was 11. What started off as a way to escape or cope with the uncertainty of life, has turned into a calling. I do believe that God has called me to share what He has placed on my heart with all of you! I recently published a children’s book The Chicks Save Easter. You can find it on amazon. https://www.amazon.com/Chicks-Save-Easter-Helena-Rayos/dp/B086Y6K19M I pray God finds you where you are and you allow Him to take you where He has called you to love and serve Him. View all posts by helenarayos2014