I’ve heard it said that everyone needs at least 8 hugs a day. “Yeah, right”, you say. Well, I don’t get 8 hugs a day, either, and most people probably don’t. But have you ever thought about how many hugs are awaiting you in HEAVEN?

Something interesting happened to me awhile back. God showed me something about hugs. A glimpse of heaven, actually.

A certain young man was released from prison. He was a member of my church, although I did not begin attending there until after he was imprisoned. The prison ministry I am connected with had, however, held worship service in the county jail he had been in. I had ministered with them while this young man was there. I was quite surprised to see him at my church a few years later. It was a surprise to everyone there, and the preacher suggested those that knew him give him a hug and welcome him home.

Well, I stayed seated, because I figured he wouldn’t remember who I was. But I heard God’s voice say, “Go give him a hug, Heather.” Well, He didn’t have to tell ME twice! I threw down my Bible and hurried to get in the line that had already formed in front of him. Everyone was smiling and so happy. I thought it was strange that he kept looking at me. I thought, “He probably has no idea who I am and is wondering who in the world that lady is that’s standing in line.” He had the most beautiful smile, and the light of Christ shone upon him. My grin was huge just being caught up in the happiness around him.

When I was finally in front of him, he looked at me, and in a way I can’t explain, he said my name. I threw my arms around him and gave him the biggest hug I could! I said, “You remember me? I have been praying for you!” He hugged me back and said, “Yes, I remember you. You ministered to me in jail.” On the way back to my seat I heard God’s voice again. He said, “That’s the way it’s going to be in heaven, Heather.”

Wow! Have we ever really thought about that? How many hugs are awaiting us there? Are you living for Christ, and storing up not only treasures in heaven, but hugs also? Like the song “Thank You” by Ray Boltz says, will there be people walking up to you and saying, ‘You may not remember me, but…”

Let us make an impact on others in this life by the way we live it. If you are not one of His, you will never know that reward one sweet day. Please know Christ. Ask Him to be your Savior and Lord. And then remember that everything you say and do will reflect on Him. If you are a born-again Christian, Jesus said in Matthew 5:14-16 “You are the light of the world.” You can store up your hugs in heaven by being the light in your world today. Now give someone a hug!