Pastor’s Corner - June 10, 2021
This week, I invite you to give thanks for hands. As an occupational therapist in a special education preschool, much of my day involves hands – little hands – beautiful hands….. I’ve always found hands and fingerprints fascinating. I grew up being told that our hands are to be the hands of Jesus in the world today. Some of the little children whom I serve do not have much use of their hands for various reasons, yet their hands teach me very much.
In the last few weeks of the school year, I read some articles that encouraged me to listen to hands in new ways. It was very humbling and convicting…. I have so much more to learn about listening. There are so many opportunities for us to listen to one another. Do we listen to the movements of the spirit that are not spoke through words? Do we hear the small motions and movements of little fingers? Are we attentive to the language spoken through the eyes? When are we still enough to listen to the way those around us are breathing or tapping a toe or fidgeting with something in their hands?
May we invite God’s Spirit to help us listen to one another creatively – to listen for understanding that we may grow in empathy and compassion - to listen with a desire to be faithful neighbors, partners, and relatives with all God’s people, creatures, and creation. May we rest in God’s gracious and generous hands – hands that hold us all – hands that nurture and welcome all of us.
14 But I trust in you, O Lord;
I say, “You are my God.
15 My times are in your hand;
deliver me from the hand of my enemies and persecutors
16 Let your face shine upon your servant;
save me in your steadfast love.
Psalm 31:14-16
