This one’s a tough one for me since I don’t like being embraced or embracing others. Aside from my wife and three kids, I really don’t care to embrace or get embraced by others. If I meet someone new and I sense we’re going to actually greet, I put out my hand to shake theirs. I cringe when someone lunges at me with a hug. I feel like, P-O-W! I think that’s where Batman & Robin got it from! They fought crime and hugs!
A few days ago, my wife gave me a great big hug. It felt good! I’ve hugged my oldest daughter a few times, (she also happens to dislike hugs), and the last time I did, it was like, one second long! We both recoiled, like, that’s long enough! If you’ve ever watched Mr. Monk on TV, there’s an episode where he reconnects with his brother, Ambrose. When they hug, it’s more like each gives the other an invisible pat! Very short-lived.
I do know there are benefits to embracing. The warmth from another can be reassuring. People in pain or experiencing loneliness, need to be held. Being embraced, even for a few seconds conveys caring or sympathizing. Something we can do is give others a hug from God. We let them know He’s there to comfort them. I’d like to think that when God was reconciling the world to Himself, He was embracing us, or drawing us near to Himself.
If you’re seeing someone you haven’t seen in a while, or sending off someone you love, an embrace will do the job. Of course, there need not be a reason for embracing as in this (Puerto Rican) culture! People hug and kiss every time they meet; day-after-day, with everyone they encounter. I keep away!
So, after embracing, now what? After counting your blessings, you’re on to the next special time.
God Bless!
Sam