Tonight at church I talked about a topic that became a reality for me at Kids Camp. It's amazing how in a society that is so inter-connected that we can be so distant from people. I'm not simply talking about the relationships / conversations we have with people (though I don't think text messaging counts). We have an infinite number of mediums to communicate, yet most of us are distant from people. Though there are people are all around, we can feel distant from everyone. This became clear to me the last night at Kids Camp. One of the kids came up to pray for me as his counselor at the end of service (as directed by Pastor Bill for all the counselors). Once he was finished, I went to the huddle move that I have become notorious for. When that happened, he snuggled in for the hug. When I hugged him, you could tell he hadn't a good one in a long time. He soon fell asleep and wanted to lay there. For a moment I felt like a dad who was hugging his kid (and one that desperately needed a good hug). I thought a lot about how much we all need one. About how every one of us is looking for a hug. Not in a relational sense. But a way for a person to put touch to what they say (urban dictionary defines such an event as a Jesus Hug). Check this out, and I think you'll get what I mean:

Mark 10:13-16 (NKJV)
13 Then they brought little children to Him, that He might touch them; but the disciples rebuked those who brought them. 14 But when Jesus saw it, He was greatly displeased and said to them, “Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of God. 15 Assuredly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will by no means enter it.” 16 And He took them up in His arms, laid His hands on them, and blessed them.

Sign me up.

Note to self : the song listed below is the theme for my team at Kids Camp. I don't find myself frequenting B Real, Coolio, Method Man, LL Cool J or Busta Rhymes anymore. This song is the jam though.
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Now playing: B Real, Coolio, Method Man, LL Cool J, Busta Rhymes -
Hit Em High [Monstars Theme]