Thursday, November 17, 2011

I Need a Proper Hug

I was watching a film about a professional football player who had been adopted by a wealthy family and was in the process of telling his adopted mother goodbye as he entered the college, I found myself weeping. Not because it was a sappy scene in some chick flick, but because it reminded me of a real life occurrence in my life.

"I realized when I left the hall on Sunday that I didn't hug ya….. I felt like something was missing all day!” This statement, from a delightfully adorable friend of mine, awaited me in my inbox the other day and it has created an unwavering sense of affection and warmth in me ever since. I have found myself in the best of temperaments, with the calmest disposition in recent memory. There is a lot to be said for a few kind words. Perhaps it is time for me to speak, as the Walrus said, of these things.

As reported in earlier posts, I am of an advanced enough age to retain membership in the American Association of Retired Persons. Along the way to this reality I have walked many paths; the most prevalent of those is what some might describe as curmudgeon like. I endure a number of infirmities which tend to display themselves in what my precious adopted daughter calls “f---ing grouchiness.” I have not attained a level of patience befitting a person of my age, as evidenced by earlier posts where I complain about the socio-politico-economic state of affairs in the world. Why on the world would anyone want to hug a cantankerous old fart such as myself let alone allow the lack of said endearment to create a vacuum in there day?

Because love is the answer!

I tend to stay clear of religious conversations and do not participate in any structured devotional activities. I choose to enjoy the section of the US Constitution that guarantees “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof…” In that, I am assured that my belief in whatever I choose is sacrosanct, and should not be screwed with. I will tell the reading public that I am a staunch believer and follower of Jesus Christ and have no plans to change that conviction.

“Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.' The second is this: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' There is no commandment greater than these." (Mark 12:28-31) This is what the God of my understanding has commanded me to do and, as simple as it might sound, I find myself lacking in many ways.

If love was not the answer, then why did the most powerful being in history (In my belief) tell me that it is the ultimate principle and that it should guide my life? Perhaps, for the reason that he knew I would grow up to be a bit dimwitted and required easy instructions. I like that I am important to some people. I bask the practice of my commandments as they come my way. I particularly relish the affection of that delightfully adorable friend of mine. I love you Precious, you know who you are.

Peace