Hugs from Strangers

Tonight, after waiting for some friends doing a little shopping in the mall, we visited the restroom on our way out.  As I was washing my hands, a mom and her seven or eight-year-old girl were also washing their hands.  The little girl caught my eye and said "Hi!"  So of course I said "Hi" back and smiled at her.  Then she walked over and gave me a hug!

I am renting a basement apartment from a very nice family, and within about five minutes of my arrival, their oldest little girl, who is five, came up without a word and hugged me.

Getting a hug from an adult I don't know is a little weird.  Maybe a lot, depending on the circumstances.  But spontaneous hugs from kids I don't know are like little messages from God that He sees me and He loves me.

"But Jesus said, 'Let the children come to me. Don’t stop them! For the Kingdom of Heaven belongs to those who are like these children.'”  - Matthew 19:14