A Mother’s Hands

I watched her as she went about the task at hand.
Her youngest child had just finished having lunch while sitting in a portable high chair.
It was the kind of high chair that can attach to any table.
She didn’t think anyone else noticed.

I watched her, amazed at her precision.
She had lifted her little girl out of the high chair minutes before.
Her little daughter was already toddling away.
This young mom meticulously went to work.

I watched her as she picked each little piece out of the high chair seat.
I saw her transfer what she found into her other hand.
She was looking for rice.
Tiny pieces of white rice had fallen from her daughter’s mouth into the high chair.

I watched her slowly, carefully remove every last piece of rice that had fallen.
She now had a pile of rice in her other hand.
She carefully placed all the found rice into a bowl that was to be thrown away.
The high chair could be removed without any of the rice falling on the floor.

A mother’s hand.
I smiled as I watched her.
I thought of all the things that are in a mother’s hand at one time or another.
A mother’s hand can be a sort of catch all from time to time.

A mother’s hand becomes the place for the wad of gum her child does not want anymore.
A mother’s hand is wet with her spit as she tries to tame the cowlick that refuses to go down.
A mother’s hand catches the food that is tasted but is not swallowed.
A mother’s hand is there to sneeze into when her child forgets to cover his mouth.

A mother’s hand will pick out all the nasty burrs that get stuck on the dog’s fur.
A mother’s hand will gently feel the forehead of her child to check for a fever.
A mother’s hand will get the tangles out of her daughter’s long hair.
A mother’s hand will tousle her son’s hair when he thinks he is too old to be hugged.

A mother’s hand will tie shoes for the thousandth time.
A mother’s hand will pull up training pants over and over until the skill is mastered.
A mother’s hand will change diaper after diaper and tickle tummies on the changing table.
A mother’s hand will push her children on the swing until they soar over housetops.

A mother’s hand will prepare the food for her family.
A mother’s hand will brush the teeth of the youngest one who still needs a little help.
A mother’s hand will sew costumes in record time.
A mother’s hand will make homemade Play-Doh for the volcano that still needs to be finished.

A mother’s hand will hold the two-wheeler steady until it is time to let go.
A mother’s hand will pitch a few baseballs to the little slugger on the lawn.
A mother’s hand will stir the spaghetti sauce while holding the baby.
A mother’s hand will wrap a freshly bathed child in a warm towel.

A mother’s hand will wave until they find her in the audience.
A mother’s hand will scratch their back every time they ask.
A mother’s hand will be the place where all the finger puppets rest.
A mother’s hand will be the first to make a gigantic snowball.

A mother’s hand is full of love yet can sometimes be used to discipline.
A mother’s hand will shield her eyes as she watches them make their first goal.
A mother’s hand will tuck them safe in their bed each night.
A mother’s hand will be folded in prayer as she lifts her child before the Father.

There is so much love in a mother’s hand.
The menial tasks, the necessary tasks, and the unwanted tasks are all done with grace.
There is such love and sacrifice in a mother’s hand.
A mother comes to each task with her empty hand ready to be filled.

A mother comes to the Lord with empty hands.
A mother needs to be filled before she pours out to others.
A mother needs to be nourished by the Lord as she holds His Word in her hands.
A mother’s hands are an extension of His hands.

A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies. Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value. She brings him good not harm, all the days of her life. She selects wool and flax and works with eager hands. She is like the merchant ships, bringing her food from afar. She gets up while it is still dark; she provides for her family and portions for her servant girls. She considers a field and buys it; out of her earnings she plants a vineyard. She sets about her work vigorously; her arms are strong for her tasks. She sees that her trading is profitable, and her lamp does not go out at night. In her hand she holds the distaff and grasps the spindle with her fingers. She opens her arms to the poor and extends her hands to the needy. When it snows, she has no fear for her household; for all of them are clothed in scarlet. She makes coverings for her bed; she is clothed in fine linen and purple. Her husband is respected at the city gate, where he takes his seat among the elders of the land. She makes linen garments and sells them, and supplies the merchants with sashes. She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come. She speaks with wisdom and faithful instruction is on her tongue. She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness. Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her. Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all. Charm is deceptive and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised. Give her the reward she has earned, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate. (Proverbs 31:10-31)

In His Word, God tells us about a woman whose hands bless many.
Her hands care for her family.
Her hands produce items so that she can add money to the family’s income.
Her hands minister to the poor and needy.

A mother’s hands are useful.
A mother’s hands are industrious.
A mother’s hands are beautiful.
A mother’s hands are an extension of His hands.

Oh, the blessing of a mother’s hands.