Lesson 3: Be a Cuddler

Toby was a faithful companion.  He always wanted to be where we were and loved to cuddle with us in bed.

Even though he was a mid-sized dog,  he often tried to hop on our laps as though he was a lap dog.  I think he needed the touch and companionship as much as we did.

There is so much power in a hug, hand shake, or a gentle touch.  I sometimes wish society could go back in time to the days when hugs were more welcome and given more freely without the worry about being misunderstood.  It's too bad there have been so many hugs that have ruined lives with hurt and pain.  

Hugs are so important to family, friends and sometimes even to strangers.  Let's find ways to offer a caring touch without sending the wrong signals.  And more importantly, let's find ways to become more open to receiving a hug or a warm handshake. God blessed us with the gift of loving touch.  If you haven't hugged your child, parent, spouse, partner, friend or other loved one today, please do so.

I think of the healing powers that Jesus' touch had.   We may not cure disease with our touch but we could heal a broken heart. 

Dogs are amazing companions that we often take for granted.   They are a God-given friend.  We should live more like them. 

Mark 5:24-29

New International Version (NIV)

²⁴ So Jesus went with him.
A large crowd followed and pressed around him. ²⁵ And a woman was there who had been subject to bleeding for twelve years. ²⁶ She had suffered a great deal under the care of many doctors and had spent all she had, yet instead of getting better she grew worse. ²⁷ When she heard about Jesus, she came up behind him in the crowd and touched his cloak, ²⁸ because she thought, “If I just touch his clothes, I will be healed.” ²⁹ Immediately her bleeding stopped and she felt in her body that she was freed from her suffering.