Stepping into my daughter’s kitchen the other day I was
greeted by my little two year old granddaughter. Aubree rushed to hug me and
then stooped to touch her leg and show me the “boo boo” she had gotten at play
group the day before. With a hug and a kiss she was happily on her way. I stood there watching her skip down the hall
and thought how nice were the days when a band aid and a kiss could make things
“all better”.
These days a band aid and a kiss won’t make the kinds of
problems my friends and family are dealing with “all better”. I have friends who’s hearts are breaking for
their children who have made poor choices, friends who have lost parents and
spouses and said good bye to friends young and old, friends whose bodies have
betrayed them and left them living in constant pain or with life-threatening
illnesses. I want to “fix” the hurts and
make the pain go away, and there lies the problem . . . I can’t!
I hate to admit defeat, but the truth of the matter is some
hurts, only time, the natural healing processes and God can make better. As I watched Aubree the other day, I suddenly
realized that a band aid and a kiss wouldn't heal the cut or scrape under the
bandage, but it somehow made it, for that moment feel better. In that instant
a tremendous burden was lifted and instead of thinking of ways to heal or fix
life’s big boo boo’s for my friends, I started to inventory my “first-aid kit” and
make sure it was stocked with plenty of band aids.
Sometimes a literal hug and kiss can give a moment of calm
and relief. I am a hugger. I have often
been blessed and comforted in the arms of those who love me; gentle touch is
certainly a healing balm. A card, a
small gift, a sweet smelling bouquet, a phone call, text, or note, all can give
a moment of peace and even joy in the midst of a storm. The good thing is, when the ultimate healing
takes place, it might be these sweet bandages that will be remembered along the
painful road to resolution or wellness.
