Last Sunday I was at church (well, my second ward - I've been going to two wards for the past four weeks) and after Sunday School saw a friend out of the corner of my eye. I reached over to give her a hug and I think just said something like, "Hi! It's great to see you" and then went on with whatever it was I was doing. I don't think that I asked her how she was doing or anything, just a simple hug.
She wrote on my Facebook later that she really needed that hug more than I could ever know. Now, anyone who knows me knows I'm a hugger. I love hugs, and don't get them enough, so I'll give a hug to anyone who wants one and will try giving hugs to anyone I think is accepting of one, so it's not unusual for this to have happened, but it really makes me think of how simple gestures can have profound impacts on someone. I'm glad I was able to brighten her day, if just a little.
It's a reminder to me how important it is to do those simple things you might not think are that important, like a smile, a simple "Hello!" or a hug. Of course it would have been better if I took more time to talk with her and catch up, but at least that quick 10 to 15 second thing was able to help her in some way. I hope I can remember that and take the time to be there for others when they need something like a hug or a smile.
Posts
