One Saturday morning six-year-old Brandon decided to fix his parents pancakes for breakfast. He found a big bowl and spoon, pulled a chair to the counter, opened the cupboard and pulled out the heavy flour container, spilling it on the floor. He scooped some of the flour into the bowl with his hands, mixed in most of a cup of milk and added some sugar, leaving a floury trail on the floor which by now had a few tracks left by his kitten. Brandon was covered with flour and getting frustrated. He wanted this to be something very good for Mom and Dad, but it was getting very bad. He didn’t know what to do next. Should he put it all into the oven or on the stove?  But he didn’t know how the stove worked. Suddenly he saw his kitten licking from the bowl of mix and reached to push her away, knocking the egg carton to the floor. Frantically, he tried to clean up this monumental mess but slipped on the eggs, getting his pajamas white and sticky. And just then, he saw Dad standing at the door. Big crocodile tears swelled up in Brandon’s eyes. All he wanted to do was something good, but he’s made a terrible mess. He was sure a scolding was coming -  maybe even a spanking. But his father just watched him. Then, walking through the mess, he picked up his crying son, hugged him and loved him, getting his own pajamas white and sticky in the process.

Isn’t that just like life? Think of the times you have tried to do something good, but it turned into a mess. You try to plan something special in your marriage and it turns sour. We insult a good friend. We can’t stand our job. Our health takes a turn for the worse.

As adults we often feel like just standing there in tears because we can’t think of anything else to do or say. Just like Brandon, we expect a scolding or something worse.

And then, just like Brandon’s father, someone comes along to make us feel better. Whether it is a verbal hug or a physical hug, that someone special picks us up, loves us and forgives us. Usually, it is the very someone we have hurt or insulted who is there for us.

Next time someone you care about is standing there with crocodile tears, or is floundering helplessly, not knowing where to turn, reach out and pick him or her up. Scolding or punishing will not do any good. What a person needs is someone who understands and is willing to pick him up and get him started over again.

Don’t be discouraged when things don’t go according to plan. Remember that it is the intent that counts. Whenever your intention is to do something good, the results can never be bad. Above all, when you have a chance to show a loved one that you care and understand, don’t underestimate the power of a hug.