My 60th in 2013
My younger brother Jim and I invented a game as little kids and for some inexplicable reason we continue to play it now in our late 60s.
We call it “Touched You Last.”
The rules are simple: When it’s time to part, be the last person to touch the other. Finesse is important as we each aim to have the final tap before darting away yelling “touched you last!”
However, the person who was touched last is allowed to run after the last-toucher and attempt a final feel, so the game can last quite a while.
(The photo to the right shows my brother a few years ago supposedly “helping” me up on one of his horses, but I know he really was making sure he touched me last because I wouldn’t be able to chase him! )
Jim and I haven’t played our game since the pandemic began, but hopefully we’ll be able to travel to Ohio this summer and I can secure the decisive pat. (For some reason, my husband–an only child–doesn’t understand this important sibling pastime, including why my brother and I still find such enjoyment in it.)
Regardless of whether you agree with my husband or me concerning the wisdom of this ritual, I believe we all would concur that human touch is essential.
I remember how awful it felt at the very beginning of the pandemic when we were pretty much afraid to touch one another–even our family and closest friends. And then how wonderful it was to feel safe enough to hug and kiss our daughters and grandkids.
But it’s not only human touch we crave; I believe we all long for a divine touch.
The New Testament is full of stories of Jesus touching:
The leper’s scaly skin.
The disciples’ dirty feet.
The blind man’s eyes.
Luke, the physician and Gospel writer, records a night in the life of Jesus:
As the sun went down that evening, people throughout the village brought sick family members to Jesus. No matter what their diseases were, the touch of his hand healed every one.” Luke 4:40
And how about the time when parents wanted to bring their children near Jesus, but were stopped by His disciples before He interceded?
But Jesus said ‘Let the children come to me’…
And he placed his hands on their heads and blessed them before he left.” Matthew 19:14-15
Katy Nichole’s No. 1 debut single
Would you, too, like a touch from God? I may not know exactly what you are seeking from the Lord, but in the words of singer-songwriter Katy Nichole, I would love “to speak the Name of Jesus over you.”
As you listen* to this very short prayer-song, know that I am asking the Lord to touch you at your point of need. Please don’t miss it as it’s the best part of this blog.
As the song’s chorus says: “I pray for your healing, that circumstances would change. I pray that the fear inside would flee in Jesus’ Name. I pray that a breakthrough would happen today. I pray miracles over your life in Jesus’ Name.”
And for you to trust that He is the God of the possible.
*BE SURE TO OPEN IN YOUR BROWSER.
