Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God. —1 John 4:7 (ESV) Healing Touch Gretchen’s family were extremely affectionate. Hugs and kisses greeted most friends and family when they came through the door of their home. She and her husband, Craig, were expressive with their children with lots of hugs, kisses and saying “I love you.” When their oldest son, Sam, started fourth grade, Gretchen began to notice he avoided her hugs and kisses as she dropped him off at school. One afternoon when she picked him up, she asked him about it. “Sam, does it bother you when I hug or kiss you when you get out of the car in the morning at school?” Sam scrunched his face up and looked at her sideways. “I don’t want to hurt your feelings, Mom, but I am a young man. I think I’m old enough that my mom doesn’t need to kiss me goodbye anymore—especially in front of my friends.” “Oh, okay,” Gretchen replied. “I can respect that.” “But, Mom,” Sam continued, “you can still hug and kiss me at home.” People need to be touched. Studies have shown that infants who are massaged thrive better than those left untouched. Children diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder also respond to touch and become calm. So lavish your child with appropriate forms of physical affection. As they grow older, take into consideration teenage sensitivities, but never forget that they need touch, too. Today’s One Thing How do you express love to your children? Going Deeper Psalm 123:3-5; Deuteronomy 6:1-25 Copyright © 2014 Family Life Communications Incorporated All rights reserved. You are receiving this message because you provided us with your email address and subscribed to our eDevotional. Our mailing address is: Family Life Communications Incorporated PO Box 35300Tucson, AZ 85740
Posted on: Tue, 04 Mar 2014 12:17:20 +0000
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