The Image of Hands

For about 10 years I’ve written this blog about God sightings in my life especially when they come with the same theme three times in a short amount of time.  This past week I was struck with the image of hands.  

During Vacation Bible School week I had my 4 year old grandson Elijah with me.  I wanted him to experience the “WOW” VBS we have at Messiah where kids can experience and immerse themselves totally in God’s love.  While Elijah was with me, we visited fun places in the morning like the zoo, had naptime and then came to VBS in the evening.  It was an amazing week of liveliness, laughs and love.  So often I’d feel Elijah’s hand in mine, especially when we’d count the 27 steps up to my apartment, when we’d be in a parking lot or when we’d sit on the couch together to watch 101 Dalmatians for the 101st time.  I did not take note of how great it felt to have his hand inside mine until this week when he was gone, and I climbed those 27 steps alone.  It was a wonderful example of God’s love.

Then Sunday, June 21st, I saw another great example of God’s love involving hands.  Mary Jo Barkei has become a regular attender at the GRACE service along with her son.  She always sits at the middle, front round table.  Pastor Al and I gave communion and missed taking it to her last Sunday.  During the closing song I noticed Pastor Al go over, kneel next to Mary Jo, take her hand, and speaking quietly with her.  He then gave her communion, took her hand in his again and spoke to her.  Although I could not hear the words, I did see the great act of  Christ’s love transferred between those hands.  

Last week we sang the hymn “Precious Lord, Take My Hand.”  The touching words to the hymn’s refrain are below.  Another beautiful image of hand holding and love.  Thanks be to God!  

Precious Lord, take my hand

Lead me on, let me stand

I am tired.  I am weak.  I am worn.

Through the storm, through the night

Lead me on to the light    Take my hand precious Lord, lead me home

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