Put Your Hand In My Hand

“May Your hand be ready to help me, for I have chosen Your precepts.” Psalm 119:173 NIV


Several years ago, my grandson Liam who was 18 months old at the time, came over to play. He was just in time for breakfast so I set him in his high chair with a bowl of dry Honey Nut Cheerios and a little spoon. I watched him pick up the spoon with his left hand, then meticulously move his right fingers into “spoon holding position” before placing the utensil in his right hand. It was clear he’d had some practice. With determination on his face, he carefully spooned one lone Cheerio and raised it to his mouth…only to drop it on the floor at the last second because he turned the spoon sideways.

I was amazed at Liam’s persistence and patience even though the cereal never quite made it to his mouth. He tried again and again, even replacing the cereal that fell on the tray back in the bowl. After a few minutes I decided to help. I placed my hand on his and held the spoon level when he raised it up so he could actually put the bite in his mouth. We played this repetitive “game” for a good little while, and he made some serious progress.

Little hands often need big hands to guide them…hands that are gentle, yet strong and experienced…and patient. Sometimes it’s the best way to learn. I fondly remember the touch of my Grandma Cline’s arthritic hands on mine as we crocheted in tandem for days until I could master creating the delicate stitches on my own. To this day, crocheting is one of my favorite and most relaxing hobbies.

God’s hand is there to guide us…young and old…when we need it too. But most of the time He waits for us to put our hands in His. How much easier could life be if we went to Him in the beginning, instead of as a last resort!


PRAYER: Heavenly Father, give me nurturing, loving hands that my children can trust and learn from. Teach me to use my hands for guidance but never for control. And may Your hand be upon me as I seek to walk in Your will. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

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