I wrote the word “ugh” in a text to a friend today.  You know, that yucky, slightly sick, tinged with pain and maybe a hint of anger type feeling.  Someone offered me a serving of “ugh” today.  I don’t think that was their intention or motive.  Still, it’s what was left in the center of my stomach after the encounter.

I won’t go into details.  It’s not necessary and wouldn’t help any way. Normally, I would go back to clarify the situation. But I won’t do that this time.  In this situation it’s not possible. So I will process it with Jesus, let it go as best I can and will be okay in a couple of days.

That was the “ugh” part of my day.

But my day did not end there.  When sharing my “ugh” feelings with a precious friend, I received something priceless from her.  A verbal “hug”.  Isn’t it interesting that the same letters compose both the word “ugh” and “hug”?

And here is something that I need to remember….As I turn to Jesus with my “ughs” He will turn them to “hugs”.  With “ughs” the first letter is “u”.  The focus on “you”.  With “hugs” the first letter is “h”.  The focus is on Him.  My perspective on any given situation changes as I shift my focus from myself to Jesus.  He is still in control, He still loves me and will never leave me.  Period.

Ughs will always be around as long as I live on this planet.  It’s pretty much unavoidable.  But so are His hugs. They are ever present and ever ready to be recognized and experienced regardless of any circumstance.

Jesus, help me to know that my ughs lead me to Your hugs. And for that I am so thankful.  Help me to offer Your “hugs” and not “ughs” to those I come in contact with each day.  Help me to keep the letters of such a small word in the right order….:-)

1 Thessalonians 5:11 – Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.

Hebrews 12:2 – Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.