Have I Seen Those Hands Before?

The gifts were being passed out around the Christmas tree at the house of my wife's sister up in Maryland.  Her husband had dressed up as Santa for the benefit our our granddaughter.  With a full beard and hearty belly-laughs, "Santa" went person-to-person, distributing the gifts.  When he came to our four-year-old granddaughter, she paused as she took her gift.  She looked carefully at his hands, and then at his eyes.  A small smirk appeared on her face, but she said nothing.

After the gifts had been given to their rightful owners, "Santa" withdrew quietly and went upstairs to change.  Shortly thereafter, my brother-in-law came casually into the room and joined in the conversation and the exclamations over the presents.  Upon seeing him present, she looked again at his hands, and let out a noticeable "Mmmm-Hmmm."  She knew his hands.

When I was told of this event (I had been in Arizona for Christmas), the thought came to my mind, "DoI know my Lord's hands well enough that I can recognize His workings in my life?"  I am a firm believer that He is active in people's lives, so it only makes sense that I should be able to see things that He does for me every day.

 The men's chorus with which I sing has a song entitled "Love Through Me."  The basic thrust of the song is a prayer that the Lord use us to reach others.  It goes with the passage in Matthew 24 where Christ offers recognition to those who serve those less fortunate, "the least of these," in His name.  When we do such things,we are serving as His hands.  Has anyone recognized the Lord's hands through my actions, or yours?

If a little child can recognize someone by their hands, shouldn't we be able to see His hands in our lives?  Furthermore, shouldn't we provide others with the opportunity to see His hands in action?

May you have a wonderful New Year, and may the Lord hear lots of "Mmmm-Hmmm's" as we reach out to others.

Dr. G