We have had many visitors during the last few days of Lunar New Year. I noticed something - especially among the young people. They loved to grab the cushion on the settee and put on the lap.
I notice too of late, there are a lot of teddy bears on sale. Girls especially love to have them in their rooms, on their beds, on their tables. Hugging a teddy bear seems to be a favourite past time.
I understand teddy bears are named after one of the Presidents of the United States, Theodore Roosevelt. A story is told of how one day walking in the woods he came upon a pack of yapping dogs surrounding a frightened baby bear. The President, a big man with a compassionate heart went to the rescue and helped the bear escape.
The press came to know about this and cartoonists would link the President whose nicknamed was Teddy with the bear.
At that time, toy shops all over the country were marketing a cuddly toys for children, so the teddy bear was born commemorating the loving action of President Roosevelt.
Next time you see as girl (or even a boy) cuddling a teddy bear, or someone cuddling the cushion on your settee, think of the importance of loving touch.
I think of our visits to the Peacehaven Nursing Home. These old and not-so-old dears love a touch. Perhaps shyness or culture prevents us from touching someone. Are we not in danger of losing one of the most human links God has given us?
Jesus reached out and touch the leper whom society treated as an outcast. This dreaded disease was believed to be highly contagious and yet it is recorded,"Filled with compassion, Jesus reached out his hand and touched the man.."Mark 1:14. Physical healing was immediate and even more valuable was the demonstration of compassion in that vital touch.
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