Touch.
I believe people are almost always in search of intimacy. We want people to take time and invest in us. A pat on the back, the touch of someone’s hand, a hug at just the right moment – these are ways we reach out in our daily lives. Touching is inherently human; I believe that this is because when we reach out to people, it is in search of Someone. And, since we can’t physically touch Jesus on earth, we will never be satisfied by earthly touches. But we keep trying. We keep touching.
Jesus’ touches were far more powerful than our own. When Jesus touched people, lives were saved and people were healed instantly. In Matthew 14, when Peter’s doubt caused him to start sinking beneath the waves, Jesus reached out and caught his hand. Peter was saved. In Matthew 9, Jesus woke Jairus’ daughter from death, merely by taking her hand. Sometimes I wonder what it might have been like for that girl. To be brought back from death by a touch of God’s hand. What did that feel like?
Jesus brought the girl back to life, with just one touch. Here’s my question: What if we lived like Christ lived?
What if we didn’t back away when people reached out to us? What if we took the time to hug them back and really listen to them? A woman named Peggy Tabor Millin once said, “We never touch people so lightly that we do not leave a trace.” I love this quote, because I believe it’s true. No matter how long we know people – be it five minutes or five years, we always make a mark. Sometimes significant, sometimes insignificant. I’ve recently been inspired to reconsider the trace that I leave on others. I do not want to leave traces of, “I’m too busy for you,” or “I’m sorry, but there are other places I’d rather be right now.” With the promise of Christ’s grace, I want to leave traces of love and renewal.
Jesus saved lives with a single touch.
What if we lived like our touch could bring people back from the dead?
How would we change?
Reach out.
Touch.
Leave traces.
Without wax,
Sarah.
EXCELLENT! I like your approach. There's plenty of talent out there BUT it really is more about what's in the heart and soul of the communicator. It's the ability to both capture and express wonder and amazement that is lacking in much of what's being done these days. I'm sure you will be successful. There are so many who are longing to be touched by those with something real to offer... something that's simple and yet whole and rich with meaning.
ReplyDeleteBless You!
ORLEN
Thank you very much, Mr. Stauffer. :). I so appreciate your kind words! I pray that God gives me opportunities to reach out and touch people with truth and love. :).
ReplyDeleteSarah,
ReplyDeleteI love your photographs and your words. I especially like your thoughts and words about the trace we leave on others. I have always tried to touch my special ed students with love and respect, but your words about leaving traces of "I'm too busy", makes me think about the traces I leave on my own children. Often, I work so hard at my job and reaching my special students, I don't give enough of myself to my own boys. Thanks for the gentle reminder.
Thank you, Aunt Susie! I must confess, not two hours after I wrote this, I had already failed at leaving loving traces on one of my brothers. But, this time, I followed up and apologized for not taking the time to hear what he had to say. It's a step in the right direction.
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