Ken West: Time to bring out the hugs

“The hunger for love is much more difficult to remove than the hunger for bread.”
— Mother Teresa

Americans are generous people. Most respond without reservation to the needs of children for food, clothing, shelter and safety. When we write checks, put coins in kettles or take clothes to shelters, we take that small step with the faith that the love we cannot provide for these children will be there when they need it.

We give not knowing exactly how our gifts will be used or how the lives of children will be influenced. In a sense we follow the counsel Martin Luther King, Jr. once shared about all things requiring faith: “Take the first step in faith. You don’t have to see the whole staircase. Just take the first step.”

Do we have less?

Many of us will have fewer presents to place under our trees than in years past. Some may needlessly worry that they have too little to give. Mother Teresa’s words above remind us that our fears are unfounded. Love is our endless wealth, and it is exactly what our children need. The challenge is to find ways to share our love actively.

In my own life, I think of the joy a simple, inexpensive ball brought. Of course, it was not the ball but the father and mother who spent hours throwing it with me. Sometimes, they played “catch” until their arms wore out. As a preschooler, I remember receiving a teddy bear named “Pete.” I loved the bear.

Most of all, however, I enjoyed joining my siblings as we placed sheets over chairs to create homes and hideouts for our stuffed animals. The most simple gift can ignite a child’s imagination.

Maybe having less is a blessing in its own way. As grandparents and parents, we now can focus our attention even more on being with our children and loved ones. We know that the love represented by our involvement feeds a deeper hunger than fancy toys or electronic games and gadgets ever could. We cannot control the economy; we can control our reaction to it.

Free gift ideas

If you feel the need to add a final present or two as you prepare for seasonal celebrations, consider giving a companionship coupon. Write a coupon that your children and spouse can redeem to do something with you — ride bicycles, bake cookies, play a favorite game, or build a craft.

You can give young people a coupon for taking them to a college or high school sporting events. Or, you can take advantage of opportunities in the city by giving family members a coupon to join you in exploring Amazement Square, the Legacy Museum, Point of Honor, the Sandusky House, The Lynchburg Museum or the Old City Cemetery.

Sometimes having less makes us more creative. When creativity leads us to be with our children more, we fulfill their most crucial need of all — to know they are loved.

West is a professor at Lynchburg College. His book, ‘The Shelbys,’ has been translated into Indonesian and Czech. Readers may write to West in care of The News & Advance, P.O. Box 10129, Lynchburg, VA 24506.