Wisdom from the Woods Life – Lessons Learned from being around Loving People

West Virginians embrace people in unique ways. The gifts we share are precious, because we don’t have many material favors to spare. A lot of us hug with food. I was squeezed so tightly at Thanksgiving by homemade rolls, pies, cakes, covered dishes, baked ham and fried turkey that I still can’t catch a deep breath. Some hug with healing hearts. They cuddle with words or deeds of encouragement. Some wrap their helpful hands around those who can’t do for themselves. They hug with a skill, craft or trade. The best hugs come from people sharing faith. It’s a hug I relish and never surrender first. It was my grandmother’s hug to me. When faith is shared, it connects us to a higher power. Don’t roll your eyes. I’m not talking about a belief in some ethereal divinity herding us through our hectic lives, loving and loathing us along the way. I’m referring to sharing our faith in each other and our innate ability to make a difference. We get mocked a lot for our way of life here in West Virginia. The season of giving is upon us. I challenge you to show your true heart, soul and spirit in ways that are uniquely and wonderfully West Virginian. If you can drive a nail, fix a drafty room for someone cold. If you can drive a car, take someone hungry to the store. If you can drive a bargain, encourage businesses to support a charitable endeavor. West Virginians are NOT lazy. So get off your butt and get out there and start hugging! XOXO

– Jim Shock, LBSPY 21 (Dec 3-17)