This month, write out the Great Hallel Passover song of praise (Psalm 113), a Psalm that shows that all is vanity apart from God (Psalm 127) and the blessedness of serving God (Psalm 128). Write about the Saviour of Israel (Isaiah 43), and that help is only found in God (Psalm 145,146).
The sense of touch is extremely important in the first few months of a child’s life. It is the first sense to develop. Research has shown that “kangaroo care” (where an infant in only in a diaper is held against the bare chest of an adult) reduces mortality, infections, length of hospital stays, and promotes bonding.
Appropriate levels of touch can be beneficial for anyone. Touch can lower blood pressure, heart, rate, and cortisol levels, and stimulate the hippocampus area of the brain that releases hormones that cause positive and uplifting emotions. Touch is very important to human health and development. It gives us a sense of security and helps to resolve conflicts and strengthen relationships.
Think of how during Jesus’ ministry how often he touched people, or they touched him. He welcomed little children taking them up in his arms, he touched the suffering and made them well again.
Touch directly connects us to what is around us, whether it is bare feet on grass, cold snow on our face, or holding the hand of someone we care about. The sense of touch and all that it does for us is a blessing.
Notice Creation!
This month, take time to touch Creation surrounding you including those who need a comforting hug or a welcoming handshake. As well, try to see the goodness of God in action around you:
- Look for acts of kindness between people or more generally in Creation.
- Look for acts of patience between people or more generally in Creation.
- Look for acts of joy between people or more generally in Creation.
- Look for acts of faithfulness between people or more generally in Creation.
- Look for acts of peace between people or more generally in Creation.
