I sat with a group of ladies at lunch. One, unable to converse, with the wave of her hand, left the table early. While eating, I couldn't help but wonder if her sad eyes were on the verge of tears.
Determined to follow-up, I walked to her room, knocked on the door, and gently let myself in. She was seated in a chair with one leg propped.
ME: Is it o.k. if I come in?
SHE: Yes.
ME: I just felt like I needed to give you a hug.
I walked toward her, reached out my hands, leaned in, and gave her a good, long hug.
SHE: The Lord works all things together for good. Thank you. Can you stay for a while?
ME: Of course.
I sat down on the couch across from her.
SHE: Go look at the picture on my cupboard.
I got up, walked toward her kitchen, and found a little Family Circus cartoon on her kitchen cupboard that read, “Sometimes when you hurt inside, no medicine can fix it. Only a hug can.”
SHE: How did you KNOW?
ME: I guess I just felt a little nudge inside that you needed a hug.
We visited for awhile about her current physical challenges and limitations, her achievements and losses in life, her determination to look at the positives, and her decision to accept the fact that, though she’s ready to be done with this earthly life, God is not yet finished with her.
Before leaving, I gave her one more hug. She gave me a loving and gentle admonishment.
SHE: Be open. Don’t say you don’t have time. Make time.
