When I was in my teens, I spent a great deal of time studying people’s hands. Perhaps that was because I spent endless hours gazing at my own as I practiced the piano.
Insignificant as they might seem, our hands are our full-time employees. They are the hunters and gatherers, the facilitators, the “executive branch” of our bodies.
My hands aren’t much to look at – kind of short and squatty, but strong, with a wide finger span (very helpful with the piano). I gaze at women who have slender fingers and very elegant hands with wistful admiration.
Okay…so looks aren’t everything. I am grateful for all of the music my hands have made, the countless culinary adventures they have had. Happy to give hugs, and quick to wipe away another’s tears, they are at the ready in service to others. And oh, the myriad of emotions they can express! (that’s the Italian in me).
My husband Joey has beautiful hands; in my opinion, they are perfectly suited for manipulating microscopic surgical instruments. His are hands that help heal and restore vision. They are also the best for holding as we walk or hike together!
The ultimate hand, that of God, has given us life. When our days sail smoothly along, void of difficulties or distractions, He is tops on our list.
As we whirl around in our daily orbits, we can lose sight of God, maybe even take Him for granted.
And what happens when life knocks us for a loop, when we want to say “why me” – when we want God to come to our rescue? When our problem doesn’t have a quick solution, it may seem as if He is missing in action…on sabbatical…or just not caring.
A life without trials or challenges is simply not an option. A wise friend once told me, “God never promised that we wouldn’t have troubles; what He promised was that He will always be with us in times of trouble.”
If we look carefully, we begin to see how God gives us the opportunity to use our past times of challenge to minister to others. We are able to figuratively join hands and hearts through a shared experience, and know that we are not alone.
When we are fortunate enough to get through those tunnels of turbulence and breathe some fresh air, we realize that we are stronger, more mindful of God’s presence, and so very thankful to be on the other side. We survived!
Most important, even though situations or people may disappoint or hurt us, God is always present, feeling our pain, extending His hand to us.
All we have to do is grasp it…
“For I am the Lord , your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you.” Isaiah 41:13
beWARM 
My reflection on my hands begins with my work with clay. It amazes me what my hands can create. And at those moments I feel closest to the One Who is Creator of all. How blest to participate in the creativity of God! I, too, studied piano for years; the flute as well. Both require skillful fingers, fleetly flitting across or atop keys, providing melody and beauty for the ears of those who listen. And I type … very quickly … and what a gift that tood is! Sending out HOPE through the written word conveyed through the human hand. How complex the tiny bones, the muscles, the cartilage — all in the human hand. How blest are we to use our hands for God’s glory in a myriad of ways each day!
and how inspiring are your thoughts! Thank you…
Beautiful words, Toni! Love the hands!!
Just reading J.I. Packer’s Knowing God last night. He writes words like yours: Rarely does this world look as if a beneficent Providence were running it. Rarely does it appear that there is a rational power behind it at all. Often what is worthless survives, while what is valuable perishes….For the truth is that God in his wisdom, to make and keep us humble and to teach us to walk by faith, has hidden from us almost everything that we would like to know….
Thank you!
Amen to J.I. Packer’s words… and we just have to keep walking by faith….
Thanks, Mary Jane!