Hug someone

Communication . . .

That is kind of a broad subject these days. It used to be walking across the street to actually, physically stand by your neighbor and converse with them. Then it involved putting pen to paper and placing your thoughts in a tangible form for someone else to receive. The phone then offered an additional option allowing us to reach across the miles to share our love, good news, and chatter. Then came the internet and texting, myspace, tweeting, facebook, monster, linkedin, youtube, and a zillion other digital distance-closers.

These things, one by one, kind of took the place of actually, physically walking across the street to converse with your neighbor. The interactions between people became less interactive and more computer-ese. Heck, folks don't even write real English any more. I'm not sure some of them know what real English is!

It's not all bad, though. I can easily converse with nieces, nephews, and family that live far away. We can share photos and update each other as frequently as we choose. Prayer chains for problems are almost instantly global instead of sequestered to a small room in a single church. Wrong-doing is viral before the bruises begin to discolor. Sometimes it is good.

Honestly, though, there is nothing better than a hug. It's the best communication out there. It holds. It heals. It helps. It supports. It strengthens. It solidifies. It carries within it the implications of love, affection, concern, friendship, fellowship, family, faith, and fortunes untold. A single hug can truly chase away heartache and hurt. It can relieve the day's stress and heighten the day's jubilance. It is as versatile as the air we breathe! It is beautiful!

Today . . . whether you converse with your neighbor, call a friend, skype your brother, tweet your troubles away . . . take a moment and share yourself. HUG someone!