HUGS

It's wonderful what a hug can do.

A hug can cheer you when you're blue.

A hug can say, "I love you so!"

Or, "Gee, I hate to see you go!"

A hug is "Welcome back again!"

and, "Great to see you!" or

"Where've you been?"

A hug can soothe a small child's pain

And bring a rainbow after rain.

The hug! There's just no doubt about it,

We scarcely could survive without it.

A hug delights and warms and charms,

It must be why God gave us arms.

Hugs are great for fathers and mothers,

Sweet for sisters, swell for brothers,

And chances are some favorite aunts

Love them more than potted plants.

Kittens crave them, puppies love them.

Heads of state are not above them.

A hug can break the language barrier

And make your travels so much merrier.

No need to fret about your store of 'em.

The more you give,

The more there's more of 'em.

So stretch those arms without delay

And give someone a hug today!

“Now, my brethren and sisters, the time has come for us to stand a little taller, to lift our eyes and stretch our minds to a greater comprehension and understanding of the grand millennial mission of this The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. This is a season to be strong. It is a time to move forward without hesitation, knowing well the meaning, the breadth, and the importance of our mission. It is a time to do what is right regardless of the consequences that might follow. It is a time to be found keeping the commandments. It is a season to reach out with kindness and love to those in distress and to those who are wandering in darkness and pain. It is a time to be considerate and good, decent and courteous toward one another in all of our relationships. In other words, to become more Christlike.” (Gordon B. Hinckley, “This Is the Work of the Master,” Ensign, May 1995, 71)

The King's Highway

Once a king had a great highway built for the members of his kingdom. After it was completed, but before it was opened to the public, the king decided to have a contest. He invited as many as desired to participate. Their challenge was to see who could travel the highway best.

One the day of the contest the people came. Some of them had fine chariots, some had fine clothing, fine hairdos, or great food. Some young men came in their track clothes and ran along the highway. People traveled the highway all day, but each one, when he arrived at the end, complained to the king that there was a large pile of rocks and debris left on the road in one spot, and this got in their way and hindered their travel.

At the end of the day, a lone traveler crossed the finish line and wearily walked over to the king. He was tired and dirty, but he addressed the king with great respect and handed him a bag of gold. He explained, "I stopped along the way to clear away a pile of rocks and debris that was blocking the road. This bag of gold was under it all and I wanted you to return it to its rightful owner."

The King replied, "You are the rightful owner."

The travel replied, "Oh no, this is not mine, I've never known such money."

"Oh yes," said the King, "you've earned this gold, for you won my contest. He who travels the road best is he who makes the road smoother for those who will follow."

"Bare is the back who bears no brother." Scandinavian Proverb

Always give people more than they expect to get.