touch of blessing

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In preparation for our time in the Dominican Republic, our team is reading together through the book of Mark. Something I knew, washed me again in a deeper way as I read the account of those who brought children to Jesus."And they were bringing children to Him so that He might touch them..." (Mark 10:13a) Just to make contact, to feel Him.The disciples sadly found fault with this. But Christ saw. He saw children in need of His touch being shoved away. And He enveloped them!"And He took them in His arms and began blessing them, laying His hands on them." (Mark 10:16)What overwhelmed me was the deep conviction of how crucial His touch was, that He took them in His arms, and laid His hands on them. That children, that we, need His touch. Essential to receiving the kingdom of God, is coming to receive His touch. Being taken up in His arms. Having His land laid upon us.I've just been noticing again how critical touch is. First, Christ's. But also, ours as representations of Him. Our nurturing touch communicating blessing and welcome is so needed!So may we truly see others and freely give the touch of blessing as it has so freely been given to us!39117_422641056796_6708140_n39117_422640816796_2656884_n287410_10150275384186797_7917670_o288122_10150275384996797_4883292_o39117_422641011796_5908471_nMay we continue in this sweet sweet work so desperately needed.