Hands

Baby Mara’s Hands

Nothing is quite so precious as the tiny little fingers of a new born baby grasping our own.  Call it a simple neuron reflex but such an action reflexively melts our heart and makes us want to hold this precious little infant in our arms and protect her from all the evils of this life.

A mother’s hands are different. They have matured and are strong and supportive.  If you look closely you will see signs of hard work through the years.  They are also soft and loving. The caress of their touch will make a child feel safe and secure.  These hands have so many purposes. They can work and drive and gesture and love and embrace.  A mother’s hands are blessed.

A father’s hands used to be described as calloused, worn down and tough. That is true of many but other’s of us have occupations that aren’t so hard on our hands anymore.  Ideally, those hands should lift and support.  They stand at the ready to defend his family.  The ring on his finger reminds him of his biggest priorities.  His hands are firm and steadfast.

A doctor’s hands sense, palpate and percuss.   They can certainly illicit pain when they poke and prod too hard.  Those hands may hold instruments of healing.  Now a days those hands have certainly become adept at typing and clicking. Gently placed on a shoulder, they can instill calm and reassurance.

The irony of course is that the same hands that grasp, love, support and soothe can also transmit a virus and cause harm.  They must be constantly washed or gloved. They must not scratch the nose, eyes or mouth.  When clasped or folded they can be melded with the hands of the Savior, those which were pierced for our sake.  They are the hands of the ultimate healer. His hands can guide our hands. We need them now more than ever.