A Mama's Touch

Mom and I sat at her kitchen table. We were talking about this-and-that when she reached and out touched my hand for emphasis.

“Oh, Darlin, your hands are dry,” she said. Then, while she finished her story, she walked to the cupboard, extracted a bottle of lotion, gave two quick pumps and slathered my cracked hands. No break in conversation. No distraction. Just Mama talking a mile- a-minute while silently blessing me with the unspoken words of personal touch.

The gesture was precious to me. Small. Simple. But it was a home-run hit to my heart.

My mom has an innate way about her. She’s a toucher. In fact, I come from a long line of touchers. My Mamo always held my hand while talking. My mom remembers her grandmother’s sweet touches. Appropriate physical touch makes an impact.

In How to Really Love Your Child (one of my parenting faves), Dr. Ross Campbell devotes a chapter to the importance of touching our children. It’s an easy way to convey love. It doesn’t have to be a big deal. Maybe a touch on the shoulder or rumpling a boy’s hair. But those touches speak volumes.

I’m sure that my Mama didn’t read Dr. Campbell’s book. The first copyright was 1977. Love naturally flows from Mom's hands to the hearts around her. She has a gift, a God-given wisdom or way that’s blessed me for years and blesses me still.

There’s nothing in the world like a Mama’s touch.

Lord, remind me to bless my boys with appropriate touch. It’s so easy when they’re sweet and small. It’s a little harder when they’re teens. And thank you for my wise, warm Mother, who loves and teaches me in a thousand wonderful ways.

MOTHER’S DAY GIVEAWAY:
For Mother’s Day, I’d like to share a copy of Chicken Soup for the Soul: Devotional Stories for Mothers (“Crazy Normal”, a devotion about our porch swing blessing, is included) and a copy of Chicken Soup for the Soul: New Moms (“Sea of Mother Love” and “In Like a Lion, Out Like a Lamb”).

Just click on “comments” below and leave your name. Then Isaiah, in our high-tech way, will pull names from his baseball cap.

Thank you, Precious Friends, for your love and support. You are a blessing.

Have A Wonderful, Wonderful Mother’s Day.