Almost a month into this physical distancing and I crave a hug. Not virtual, not paper, but a real live physical human hug! Being the realist that I am, I suspect I will remain hugless for some time. 

Touch starvation is a real menace, producing anxiety and depression, lowering immune systems, potentially stunting bonding and development in small babies. Just ask any NICU or geriatric nurse. 

When I first entered nursing, I worked the night shift. Often, when a patient struggled with sleep, I offered a back or foot rub. Best medicine ever.

 During post Harvey, hugs were plentiful and life giving. I remember Jerry and William’s the most; they shouted, “It’s going to be alright.” We know that’s simply impossible with this virus, but I think for many of us, that is the missing link.

Recently, I ordered badly needed shower gel online and I discovered I could still request  a retired fragrance I used on my hospice clients. I would carry  individual samples and after seeing how most patients responded to its homey fragrance,  families were delighted to run out to purchase it for their loved ones. I spent hours gently massaging edematous feet and would witness a peace wash over my patients. Many would offer deep conversation, others would weep and the most sick would breathe a little easier.  

My bottles arrived today on my worst day so far. A friend had just shared a beautiful worship song so this touch starved captive of her own home, plopped down on the floor, poured out way too much creamy brown sugar and fig, and massaged her own neglected feet as she listened to a beautiful reminder of a good God. A big ol’ wonderful foot and soul hug.  No, not a 20 second hug like one of my friends always gives me, but a self hug, the best I can do right now. 

I’ve neglected self care; I’m not very good at it. 
(Probably the nurse in me.). But I am realizing how much we all need to carve out some time for “me care” during this upheaval.

The washing of feet is not lost on me today:  Mary pouring out her costly perfume on her Master, Jesus humbly washing his disciples’ weathered feet, His charge to love and serve one another.  One day we’ll open our homes again and do a lot of hugging, I hope. For now, our ways to care for ourselves and each other are a bit subdued, somewhat unorthodox, but that’s okay too. 

Solitude

“In solitude we are so bathed in God’s greatness and goodness that we come to see the immense value of our own soul. The result is that we become increasingly freed from our frantic human strivings.”

“In times of solitude, we become enveloped in God’s very presence.”

There is an intimate connection between solitude and silence. Silence, you see, creates in us an open, empty space where we are enabled to become attentive to God. And oh, how we need such open spaces in our modern techno-world with its relentless barrage of “sound and fury, signifying nothing.” Indeed, many people today have become little more than walking “towers of babble.” Richard Foster

My view this week 

I’m pretty protective of my Holy Week...very intentional about preparing my heart for Easter Sunday. I am blessed with solitude on this Maundy Thursday. The chirping of birds, the rumble of an occasional tractor, the sweet aroma of orange blossoms and the Word. Ironically, I feel far from a Gethsemane experience...freedom not pressing-joy not sorrow. But I remember...it is a day for pondering  the significance of the garden, the “shoot that will come forth out of an [olive] stump,” Messiah, our Anointed One, my sin that crushed Him so violently, He sweated blood. 

His pressing in exchange for my peace. 

Jesus took bread, blessed and broke it...

Take, eat; this is My body.  Matt. 26:26

I am the Bread of Life John 6:48

Jesus, let me feed on nothing but You.

You shall set the shewbread on the table
before Me always.  Exodus 25:30
Your invitation to fellowship with You is always open.

Taste and see for the LORD is good...Psalm 34:8.

If anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever. John 6:51

The more I seek you,

The more I find you.

The more I find you, the more I love you.

I want to sit at your feet,

Drink from the cup in your hand,

Lay back against you and breath, feel your heart beat.

This love is so deep, it's more than I can stand.

I melt in your peace; it's overwhelming   Zach Neese

Pause and drink from His cup...

He poured out his life unto death...Isaiah 53:12

a drink offering for our sins...

This is my blood of the covenant

which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.   Matthew 26:28

Remember Me...