Compassionate Touch

Daily Gratitude Year 7- Day 325: Today, I am grateful for compassionate touch.

What touch are you most grateful for?

Sometimes there are no "right" words.
Sometimes, remaining silent is a gift.
In those moments, compassionate touch can make the difference.

Babies need to be held.
Children need positive touch.
Teens find ways to touch... through sports and dancing.
Grown-up's need hugs, too.

This sweet image of a little girl and an elephant reminds us that compassionate touch is a language that breaks down barriers imposed by culture, race or even species.

At birth... touch encourages first breaths and nursing. At death, touch eases the pain and sorrow of a goodbye. All the touch in between adds strength, warmth and sweetness to our days.

This passage from Matthew 9 is a powerful passage about touch and faith. Jesus had the power to heal the bleeding woman from anywhere in the universe, but for her... to touch Him meant everything to her. It changed everything. 

"So Jesus and his disciples got up and went with him. Just then a woman who had suffered for twelve years with constant bleeding came up behind him. She touched the fringe of his robe, for she thought, “If I can just touch his robe, I will be healed.” -Matthew 9:19-21

She knew of His power. She knew the stories of healing that followed Him wherever he went. She believed, but wanted what only a touch could bring... a connection. 

Today, I am grateful for compassionate touch.