There’s nothing like a hug to help someone feel loved, especially a child. What better day to talk about the magic a hug can produce than on National Hugging Day.
Okay so it may not actually be a national holiday, as an act of Congress is the only way to come by those. It certainly hasn’t stopped us from officially celebrating this on January 21st since way back in 1986.
My oldest child is a champion hugger, just ask anyone who attends our ward (the word for a large congregation in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, or Mormon Church). There are those who can hardly wait for their weekly hug. My daughter gives these to impart to others her love. This sweet spirit of God has truly been given a gift when it comes to sharing her hugs.
Why is it one such simple act can be so completely endearing? Why set aside a whole day dedicated to the act?
I believe it all has to do with love, even in the smallest amount. You cannot wrap your arms around another being without sending over a bit of love. Neither can one feel unmoved by the gift of a gentle embrace.
I have seen the magic it can work on a despairing or frightened child, a grieving or sorrowful heart, or in dispelling the mental clouds of a gloomy day.
Have you ever felt the power two little arms of a child can have? My most favorite hugs come from my children, for I know they are never given hesitantly. Whenever I am blessed to feel their embraces, my world becomes a little brighter, my load in life a little lighter. I cannot accept a hug from one of them without wishes to return the favor wholeheartedly.
If you’re not comfortable with hugging, I say practice. Someone so very dear to my heart once told me he grew up not knowing if his father even loved him. The father never touched his children except in anger. He never said those three vital words every child longs to hear. One hug, he has said, would have gone so far to let him know he was loved, even just a little.
This man didn’t want his own children to grow up in such a home. Due to the bad example of his father, he wasn’t very comfortable with hugging, or other expressions of love, but he practiced every day. At times it was a struggle to break free of his father’s influence, but I can testify to you he is now one of the most huggable men I know. I have watched him with his children, who are all now grown, and none of them can be in doubt as to his love. They all receive a hug when they walk in the door, and another when they leave.
If you want children who can express love, teach them by example. My youngest is quite a mimic, even at a mere 1 ½ years old. At times she’s so funny copying her older brothers and sister, as well as Dad and I, and at others we find it’s necessary to watch ourselves in front of her.
“A child learns more by imitation than in any other way. Don’t we all? And the persons he imitates most blindly and trustingly are bound to be his parents” – George Sanderlin.
So on this day find someone to hug, especially a child. Celebrate the magic of a simple hug. Give one to each member of your family. Give one to your most favorite friends. Share a bit of your love with others.
