The Gift of a Hug

"Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change." James 1:17

A crowded bus station, hurried goodbyes from the team heading home and, amidst it all, a man in a bright red hoodie. As we enter gifting season, let's explore the gifts that God gives us every day.

It was a busy week at the Hub with the Journey team visiting. They gave their all to every activity, from teaching dances to repairing playgrounds. Finally, the time came for them to leave. It was less 'farewell' and more 'see you next time'.

As they piled onto the bus, Julia embraced each team member. As she hugged the second to last of them, a flash of red caught her eye. Standing next in line was a stranger in a red hoodie. He was carrying the bag of a young monk who was getting the bus. The stranger looked poised to receive a hug. After hugging the final team member, she asked him, "Would you like a hug too?"

"Yes," he responded quickly. He smiled as though he'd been needing that hug. The Lord brought him there at just the right time to receive it - what a loving gift! After embracing the man, Julia greeted the monk who had been looking on the whole time.

It's a great example of why we should always be on the look out for 'the one'. There is someone in every situation who just needs that special touch of God's love, though we may not always notice them. This was a precious opportunity to find 'the one' and gift him a hug.

Will you keep an eye out for 'the one' this season? What gifts might God have in store for them?

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