I often stand in need of an emotional hug. I often stand in need of an appreciative hug. I often stand in need of a loving hug. And I often stand in need of a comforting hug. But I never really thought of the idea of needing spiritual hugs but it is so true. And I now I have noticed them more in my life.

I think that spiritual hugs can come in many forms. Sometimes they come when we seek them and sometimes they come when we least expect them.

There have been many times when reading my patriarchal blessing that I have received a spiritual hug of reassurance and peace that I am doing what I should be doing. Other experiences have come while reading my scriptures or saying my prayers. I think we have all experienced these types of spiritual hugs when we need them most. Sometimes these hugs come in the form on an answer, sometimes they come as a feeling of peace, sometimes they are simply there to let us know that we are loved and that we are known. Whatever the form I hope to more often seek for and recognize the blessings of these "spiritual hugs" in my life.

One experience that I had a few months ago brought a spiritual hug in an interesting moment and way and looking back it was indeed a hug:

It was a Sunday afternoon after our early Sunday dinner. My husband and little boy were spending time together in another room and I was doing the dishes. Just to give my husband some credit here, this was by my insistence...he really is good at helping or simply doing the dishes, but this particular day our little boy was demanding some extra attention and so I sent the two on their way.

So I was chipping along in our messy kitchen and before I knew it I was singing Hymns as I went (not a typical task). I quickly felt a great source of peace as I cleaned up (also not a common occurence). I felt so blessed to have all that I have. I felt the Spirit touch me deeply and it almost brought me to tears. I felt warm and happy inside. I was unloading and loading the dishwasher, clearing off the leftovers, wiping the counters and yet at that moment the Lord saw an opportunity to reach me and to teach me and to remind me of how much I am loved and blessed. It was a wonderful Spiritual Hug when I least expected it.

I am grateful for the Holy Ghost and I am grateful for spiritual hugs. I know that the Lord truly is mindful of us. I know that He knows each one of us and knows when we need Him most. He knows when we are down in the dumps. He knows when we struggle to make the right choices. He knows that all along our journey we will need spiritual hugs or spiritual boosts to bouy us up. Often these moments are given freely and without a request by our part but sometimes we must ask and He will promptlygive us or lead us to where we might find a spiritual hug.

In Psalms 115:12 it says, "The Lord hath been mindful of us: he will bless us;" The Lord is indeed mindful of us and He does so abundantly bless us. How and when have you received spiritual hugs in your life?