My grandson who loves to give hugs even at the big age of five decided to give my daughter the cold shoulder as she dropped him of at kindergarten. He woke up feeling a bit grumpy and not wanting to cooperate with her. This only left one option and that was a good talking to about behaving differently or consequences were going to happen.
As to be expected this did not go over well. So as she dropped him off she bent down and asked for a hug, he then said in a very loud voice “no” and walked to get in line. All the other kids in his class witnessed this. They got out of line and piled on top of my daughter trying to give her hugs.
She told me this out of concerned for the “stranger danger” aspect and I totally understand that but what I took from it got me thinking.
Those little children heard that she needed a hug, they saw she bent down in hopes of getting one and then they heard the “no” and watched her son walk away. They could have just turned and walked into the class room with some just feeling bad for her.
They didn’t just feel bad, they took action and gave her what they could. They gave her what they heard and saw that she needed.
Why is it that when we grow up we tend to only see the “stranger danger” and not the need. So because of the fear of the stranger the need is not met. I understand we need to be wise but how many time, myself included do we let our fear get in the way of encouraging others.
Proverbs 12:25
“Anxiety in a man’s heart weighs him down, but a good word makes him glad. ”
Ephesians 4:1-3
“I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. ”
1 Thessalonians 5:11
“Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing”
