Hands, a Blessing...

I have been asked before what is my favorite part of my body. I have always said my hair and my hands, neither of which are very exciting. When I was young and played the piano, my mother used to tell me that she loved to watch my hands move over the keys and that they were so dainty. That made me feel so feminine and powerful. I loved what my mother saw in me because I love to be loved. It's inherent in all of us that we love to be accepted, loved, noticed, and celebrated.
Hands such an important body part, but taken so much for granted. They are the sweet touch from my son in the morning while I feed him and he reaches to touch my face. They are clenched tight behind my head as I am tightly gripped in a bear hug. They hold the crayons that show the amazing creativity of my daughters. They make my home clean and inviting. They make the food that nourishes my family. The rub my husband's shoulders after a long day of work and then being the family man. They clean booboos. They are so busy and rarely complain.

My hands have been so many places. They have climbed many swing sets, crossed monkey bars, taken tests, played in mud, held other hands, been to Europe, and swam in the Mediterranean Sea. They have graded countless papers, scrubbed lots of fluffy puppy ears, held many little hands while waiting for their mommies, and made countless peanut butter and jelly sandwiches.
But my favorite things that my hands have done are far from ordinary. They washed the back of a dearly loved elderly woman who was bedridden. They prayed over a father that was supposedly brain dead and on life support (he woke up the next day). They helped build churches and schools in Mexico and Guatemala. They delivered hot meals to elderly in San Francisco. They have handed out food to homeless in New Mexico. They have held three of the most beloved, precious newborns. They play peek-a-boo and this little piggy. They wear the ring of eternity from my husband and best friend. They hold my mom every chance they get because I just love her so much.
Though taken for granted and forgotten many times because they are on auto pilot, my hands have been such an integral part of my life. I love my hands and am blessed all that I have experienced because of them. I clench them together to thank the Almighty One that has allowed me to stop for a moment and treasure the beauty that I "see" through my hands.
What stories do your hands tell? Did you feel your baby kick for the first time? Did they help someone? Did they play beautiful music? Hands are such a blessing...they are an extension of your heart in showing love.