I get so wrapped up in my vocation and all it entails that I occasionally discover I am missing one of the foundational requirements!

Oh, it catches me by surprise.  I will be going along, struggling to juggle the various aspects of my vocation only to have someone say, with a sad expression and a forlorn tone of voice, something like, “you used to hug me more often.”

I stop.  THIS is a big marker from the hand of God that I am erring in a huge way and need to change RIGHT NOW.

Hugging family members is one of the most important jobs a wife and mother has in this life.  She can be a heart surgeon whose career saves hundreds of lives in a year, but if she is missing out on the essentials at home, like hugs, then she is not very successful in her vocation.

What good is it that my blog is chugging along if my spouse or children feel a lack of love from me? Their needs must be first, and I must pay attention to those opportunities for giving hugs that come and go so quickly that they can be missed.

So, off to hug a baby and wait for the Little Tiger to wake up for hugs and a snack, but first, I’m going to go find my hubby and hug him first.

Dear Lord, I am so sorry that in my business I failed to realize my hugging had gone down hill. Please help me slow down and give those hugs that make so much difference in the lives of my beloved family.  Please help me to keep my attention on the most important aspects of my vocation and not slip into giving the more worldly approved elements more attention than they deserve. Thank you for bringing this to my attention! I love you Jesus! Amen.