When you think about the human body and how each part has a
purpose, hands seem to offer so much.
They are the sign for giving – giving to others, giving to
ourselves. Hands can do so much, yet the
hands of a mother seem to be so much more.
I reflect on my mother’s hands and all that she has given to me with
those hands.
·
She has prepared countless meals to nourish my
body.
·
She has done limitless loads of laundry to
ensure I had clean clothes.
·
She cleaned to ensure our home was free from
dust and dirt.
·
She has opened her Bible and prayer book to show
me what being in God’s word means.
·
She has dried my tears, whether they came from
physical pain or emotional pain.
I am not the only one who has received numerous gifts from
my mother’s hands. I think about all the
gifts she has given others. As a
teacher, she graded papers, wrote lesson plans, and read tons of books to assist
in guiding her students’ knowledge. She is
an incredible friend to those close to her, giving of herself through holding
hands in times of turmoil and hugs when life is hard. Mom was also a Bible study leader for a women’s
group for many years. My mother’s hands
have given so much – I am truly blessed.
Proverbs 31 is a wonderful chapter that highlights the
Christian woman. It gives a great
picture of all the traits and characteristics of how a woman can live a life honoring
God – and how others should see her as well.
It is a great reminder on all that women do in our lives. There are certainly wonderful examples of
women in the Bible – Mary, Mary Magdalene, Sarah, Ruth, Hannah, Esther, Miriam
just to mention a few.
These cherished women of God have provided a picture to
women of today on how to live our lives and what it means to give of ourselves
for others. They show us that not every
day is perfect, but in God, all things are perfected. They show us disappointment and heartache. They show us joy and happiness. Reading their stories throughout the Bible
provides such inspiration.
I’m sure we can look in our own lives to see wonderful women
and the hands that they have given to us and others as well. Perhaps it is our mothers, aunts, friends, coworkers,
or care givers. The list is
endless. The hands of women provide much
to the world through so many different gifts.
Reflect a bit on this, and the hands that have given to you over your
lifetime. These hands, although
calloused and wrinkled, have brought much joy.
Today, and every day, let us focus on the women of God’s time and the
women of today. Let us sing praise to
all of them! Happy Mother’s Day to all
the mothers out there – especially mine!!
Heavenly Father, thank you for the hands of the women in our
lives, especially moms. Help us to see
the goodness they give us. For women,
may we reflect on the women in the Bible for our guide during difficult
times. In your gracious name I pray,
Amen!
