Grandpa's Hands

 Look at Your Hands Too beautiful, not to share!

Grandpa's Hands

Of the hundreds of e-mails I receive, this one might be one of the
most honest, real stories that is so real. Enjoy.

Grandpa's Hands

This is good. I'll never look at my hands the same!
Grandpa, some ninety plus years, sat feebly on the patio bench. He
didn't move, just sat with his head down staring at his hands. When I
sat down beside him he didn't acknowledge my presence and the longer I
sat, I wondered if he was OK. Finally, not really wanting to disturb
him but wanting to check on him at the same time, I asked him if he
was OK.
He raised his head and looked at me and smiled. "Yes, I'm fine. Thank
you for asking," he said in a clear strong voice.
"I didn't mean to disturb you, Grandpa, but you were just sitting here
staring at your hands and I wanted to make sure you were OK," I
explained to him.
"Have you ever looked at your hands," he asked. "I mean really looked
at your hands?"
I slowly opened my hands and stared down at them. I turned them over,
palms up and then palms down. No, I guess I had never really looked at
my hands as I tried to figure out the point he was making. Grandpa
smiled and related this story:
"Stop and think for a moment about the hands you have, how they have
served you well throughout your years. These hands, though wrinkled,
shriveled, and weak have been the tools I have used all my life to
reach out and grab and embrace life.

a.. These hands have touched and caressed people in my life that I
will never forget.
b.. They put food in my mouth and clothes on my back.
c.. As a child my mother taught me to fold them in prayer.
d.. They tied my shoes and pulled on my boots.
e.. They have been dirty, scraped and raw, swollen and bent.
f.. They were uneasy and clumsy when I tried to hold my newborn son.
g.. Decorated with my wedding band they showed the world that I was
married.
h.. They trembled and shook when I buried my parents and spouse and
walked my daughter down the aisle.
i.. They have covered my face, combed my hair, and washed and
cleansed the rest of my body.
j.. They have been sticky and wet, bent and broken, dried and raw.
k.. And to this day, when not much of anything else of me works
real well, these hands hold me up, lay me down, and again continue to
fold in prayer..
l.. These hands are the mark of where I've been and the ruggedness
of my life.
m.. But more importantly it will be these hands that God will reach
out and take when he leads me home.
n.. And with my hands He will lift me to His side and there I will
use these hands to touch the face of Christ."

I will never look at my hands the same again. But I remember God
reached out and took my grandpa's hands and led him home. When my
hands are hurt or sore I think of Grandpa. I know he has been stroked
and caressed and held by the hands of God. I, too, want to touch the
face of God and feel His hands upon my face.
When you receive this, say a prayer for the person who sent it to you
and watch God's answer to prayer work in your life. Let's continue
praying for one another.
Passing this on to anyone you consider a friend will bless you both.
Passing this on to one not considered a friend is something Christ
would have done.