Need a Hug? then give and you will receive...

I was speaking at a women's event at the weekend in Manchester. It was a wonderful evening where we explored the whole topic of friendship and all the ways in which other people can shape your world. Our friends can influence the choices we make and the values we hold, our sense of belonging and our security in life. But have you ever thought about your influence on other's? When you walk into a room do you smile or do you have (what we call in Ireland) a face on?

You see even something as simple as a grumpy face can influence your your relationships.  There's a girl in my aerobics class who's always smiling and asking if you've had a good week. She brightens up the group with her lovely laugh and literally carries a sense of joy around with her in her spirit. Shouldn't God's kids be like this... I have no doubt that she is challenged with the same problems we all face but what's different is her mind set. I asked her one time what her secret was... she said she just tries to be happy even when she's not and her feelings more often than not follow. How wonderfully straightforward!!! 

I love the simplicity of that... too often we focus on our own challenges - we sit in our place of self pity and excuse unacceptable behaviour towards others because we're not having a good day. Perhaps we can learn allot from my friend who actually puts into practice without knowing it the model of Christ Jesus. Thinking himself as nothing He took on the form of a servant, He set His emotions to one side and just loved the Hell out folks!

Go and smile, Hug, encourage someone today and watch what happens...

hugs Ruth x