#9 Treasured Hands

Treasured Hands

As I sit by your bedside and watch you sleep, reaching out to lay my hand on yours, I am reminded how precious your hands have been to me over the years.

Hands that held a kite string as we ran along the floodwall on a Sunday afternoon. Hands that swung me around in circles over and over until I dizzily fell to the ground with laughter. Hands that opened the Bible as you read aloud to me at night, or rocked me to sleep. Hands that tilled the soil and made things grow; adding beauty to our surroundings.

Strong hands that surrounded me with a hug when things were difficult. Hands that made out checks to support me all the way through college, or wrote sweet notes and signed cards on special occasions. Hands that occasionally rapped me on the bottom for discipline, always accompanied by words of love. Hands that baptized me when I was just a child.

Hands that applauded me as I played in a piano recital, or high-fived me as I accomplished a goal. Hands that led me by example. Teaching hands that showed me what it means to have a strong work ethic, what it means to get your hands dirty by helping others. Hands that gently guide and encouraged. Hands that folded in prayer.  These are my treasured hands.

My wish for you now is that there  will be  gentle hands to care for you as your health begins to fail. Sympathetic hands that will continue to hold yours and supply comfort. Understanding hands that will provide for your every need, and firm hands to support you when you need it most. Compassionate hands folded in prayer on your behalf, and His hands to give you peace.

I love you Dad.