Puppies in a Box

It's a rather ominous title but don't fear - these are live, skittish, puppies we're talking about.

I was asking one of the pastors that works with youth what the deal was with young people and the touching, hugging business. I noticed it my first day here and it still freaks me out - guys hugging guys, girls holding hands, big hugs and just lots of touching. Non-sexual of course but very touchy-feely - which is not me. I have hugged people more since becoming a Christian then all the other years put together.

Anyhow, on my way back from the caf there are two girls sharing a chair, one with her head on the other and the other stroking her hair. I asked 'what gives - is this some Christian thing or is it a youth thing?" I have been assured that it is a youth thing - kids nowadays like to touch. Gross - in my day I 'll have you know that the boys sat with one chair between each one of them at the theatre. And the closest I got to a girl was when we threw our purses down on the ground and danced facing each other in a circle. Stroke my hair? - you better be buying me dinner!

As he describes it, the youth of today are like puppies in a box and I have to say its a pretty apt description. Of course I have never seen this in my home church because any sign of affection, or warm emotion is met with a very distant look - like "Gee did I leave the oven on?". And crying! Forget it - I have had entire conversations where I have been crying and its just ignored - like spinach in your teeth. Which unfortunately makes me cry more because whatever made me cry is still be talked about like its no big thing....

I'd make a lousy youth leader - I mean the occasional hug and tears I can stand but puppy love is just so discomforting.