"A time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing..."  I'm a hugger.  I'm usually the one who reaches out with my arms open and draws you into a hug whether you want one or not.  I have no idea why that is.  But I do know that there are times when it is inappropriate.  Knowing when, and when not, is the secret.

Some young people today don't have a clue when they have crossed over the line of PDA.  (Public Displays of Affection.) They probably don't even know there is a line--in today's world.  But there is, and observing it shows that you have good manners.  So much for the subject of embracing and not embracing.  Use discretion.

The next phrase the "Preacher" in Ecclesiastes says is: "A time to get, and a time to lose..."  Some people live their entire lives getting.  More, more, more.   Yes, getting is important when it comes to the basics of life.  Food, shelter, transportation, medical help, etc... but sometimes some of our most important life lessons are learned by losing.

When I was fourteen, I wanted to try out for twirler in the band.  I lost.  However, I met the band director at those tryouts, and he told me that I should be playing an instrument in the band for the coming year.  So I joined the band and learned to play percussion instruments:  Timpani (kettle) drums, bell lyre, and marimba.  Which I never would have done had I won at twirling tryouts.   As a result of losing, I won.  And for the last 65 years have played marimba for civic events, churches, orchestras and just this week for a service at a local retirement community.  Marimba has lasted.  Twirling wouldn't have.

I am dubious of the "self esteem" movement that gives every child a prize in sports, etc.  I think there is something to be learned by losing.  For one, when you win, it makes your success much sweeter.  And sometimes it is a reality check to tell you that you need to change your focus to something different--something at which you can be successful.  Losing can be a superb "re-director."  If you are led to falsely believe that you have won something that you have actually lost, you will face the real world unprepared.  Losing is a part of life.  Sometimes you will learn something new through your loss--like playing the marimba.