I was standing in line at our local Walgreens, one of those quick errands where you’re half in your thoughts, half scanning the shelves, when something unexpected happened.

Out of nowhere, my daughter ran ahead of me, straight toward one of the workers, and wrapped her tiny arms around him. I froze for a second, not sure whether to apologize or laugh. He looked as surprised as I did, but then he smiled, bent down, and hugged her back.

What struck me most was that she didn’t know him. He looked like no one we know, and we hadn’t even seen him before. But she ran to him like her soul recognized him. And now, every time we go to Walgreens, she wants to find that same young man, just to hug him again.

 A Child’s Spirit Recognizes What Ours Forget

I couldn’t help but wonder, what made her do that?

There was no hesitation, no logic, no words exchanged. Just pure energy.

Children have a way of seeing the unseen. They feel when someone’s spirit is gentle, kind, and safe, before they ever know a name. It’s like their hearts tune in to something our adult minds have forgotten how to hear.

The more I think about it, the more I believe my daughter’s hug wasn’t random. It was spiritual. Maybe he needed that moment more than either of us knew. Maybe it was God, the universe, or divine timing weaving together two souls, one small, one grown, to remind us that kindness doesn’t always come wrapped in understanding. Sometimes it just is.

A Reminder for Me (and Maybe You)

We spend so much time protecting ourselves, building boundaries, filtering our words, analyzing every situation. But love doesn’t analyze. It acts.

That hug reminded me that the light inside us recognizes the light in others, no introductions required. I don’t even know his name, but I can tell he has a good spirit. My daughter felt it instantly.

Maybe that’s how God works through children: reminding us that connection isn’t always planned. Sometimes love just shows up in aisle three of Walgreens, wearing a work vest and a tired smile.

 A Gentle Reflection

The next time you see someone who radiates peace, don’t ignore that feeling. Smile, speak, or simply send silent gratitude.

We never know when we’re standing near someone who needs to be reminded they’re seen, valued, and loved , even if it’s just through a little girl’s hug.