These Hands

These hands are the hands of my dear mother.

They were the first in my family, I would imagine,

to hold me.

These hands cared for me more times than can be counted.

They have wiped away tears,

and patted me on the back when I've accomplished something good.

These hands have bathed me, combed my hair, and dressed me.

These hands have cleaned our home,

prepared meals; washed, folded, and ironed

many loads of laundry.

My mother's hands have pressed together 

in prayer, and they were used

to teach me how to pray.

I've witnessed these hands raised in praise!

These hands have aged, and now, when I'm with Mom,

I do some of the caring, like fixing her hair and cleaning for her,

But, though they've aged, they are still soft and loving,

Oh, how I love my Mom's hands!

These hands are the hands of my Father here on earth,

and they were likely the second family member to hold me

after I was born.

These hands have always been so strong, yet so loving.

I can remember these hands combing my hair, 

making "Shirley Temple" or "banana" curls

when Mom had to work outside of our home.

These hands swallowed my own small child-sized ones

when we walked together,

yet, they were firm in discipline but never abuse.

These hands worked hard to provide a living

so our family could be fed, clothed, and have a house.

I've seen these hands folded in prayer many mornings

and I've seen these hands raised in praise to God.

Although age and a stroke have taken its toll on these hands,

they will always be strong to me.

Oh, how I love my Daddy's hands!

My parents' hands have worked hard in caring for me

throughout my childhood years,

but the greatest day of my life was when my

parents' hands let go

so I could be introduced to the

nail-scarred hands of Jesus Christ.

These hands (while not literally) are THE HANDS;

the ones that have helped me when even

 the most loving of parents could not.

They are the STRONGEST HANDS

and my name is engraved on them,

written in red.

And one day, I shall hold these hands for myself.

More than any other hands here on earth,

I LOVE THESE HANDS!!