Get in Touch

I just love holding hands. 

One of my favourite photographs of my parents-in-law is one that was snapped in their golden years. Not folks who typically showed “PDA”, the picture was taken from behind as they walked hand in hand into one of their favourite spots… the Swiss Chalet.  Another one I love is a closeup of their two hands, hers wrinkled and his calloused, holding gently one to the other.  

That same tenderness lives in my memory of my grandparents too, sitting in their side-by side recliners, casually holding hands as they recounted funny stories from their shared past.

 I remember a friend of mine bemoaning the fact her daughter had reached the age where she wouldn’t let her mom hold her hand in public anymore.  She commented, “She doesn’t want anyone to know I love her!”.  I replied, “She doesn’t want anyone to know you’re WITH her!”.

What IS it about hand-holding that can be so powerful?  When our kids were small, holding hands was a means of guiding, protecting and comforting.  Even now that they are adults, I love to hold hands with our girls.  I also take joy in holding hands with my husband and my parents. It is such a simple and gentle act, one that speaks of a familiar relationship, tender trust, and a history of love.  

Jesus was all about touch.  I am sure he alarmed people when he reached out to heal highly contagious diseases by touch.   He rubbed a paste of dirt and spittle on blind eyes, stuck his fingers into deaf ears and touched a mute tongue.  He took people by the hand and helped them up after healing.  And on His last evening with his closest friends, He washed their filthy, tired feet to model humble servitude.

For a number of years we attended a church that hosted a dinner on the Thursday evening before Good Friday.  We would share a meal, and then communion.  One year, as a means of remembering Jesus washing his disciples’ feet, there were volunteers who carefully washed our hands and others who gently dried them.  It was such a profound act, such a loving offering.  I was astonished how much it moved me. 

How wonderful that I serve a God who welcomes closeness and affection.  I imagine holding His hand…

Reassured by His familiar presence,

Reminded of His fierce love,

Bolstered by His steadfastness,

Encouraged by His guidance,

Safe in His protection,

Calmed by His comfort.

…now THAT is powerful!