Holding Hands #33
Holding hands is one thing I miss – A LOT! Holding hands seems like an ordinary thing to do but it is also a very intimate thing. 44 years ago tomorrow I gave my hand (and my heart) to Jim as we promised to have and to hold. Holding hands means so many things and it holds remarkable power. Holding hands can help lower blood pressure and help one through stressful circumstances as it calms parts of the brain. Mostly it meets the need for connection and community; studies have shown that being alone is a human problem. Holding hands expresses all the things we are for each other in relationships. It may not seem like a big thing but it was a simple way to tell the world we were one. We held hands at Hume and got in trouble for it which was ridiculous and it didn’t stop us. We held hands when we were fighting which I hated but it was a really smart discipline and symbol to remind us that conflict is good and we could still love each other and disagree.
Hands are a key part of how we explore the world from the moment we are born. They can distinguish and process sensory information when they touch the world around them. We use touch to communicate our feelings. We are wired to hold hands, to carry burdens, to comfort and to lift them in worship. Jim’s hands did many things including magic tricks, puppetry and making music. He held his babies, he held rakes and hammers, he typed and waved and folded them in prayer. But my favorite thing was when he held my hand. I remember the first time he held it and I remember the last time too.
Jim once told me was how much he loved holding hands with his kids. He was so happy that even in double digits Clayton would still hold his hand at Disneyland and Legoland and other places. Jim treasured that phase knowing it wouldn’t be forever and the moments were never lost on him. He often expressed gratitude for the relationships with both his kids and the privilege of being trusted enough for them to reach out for his hand instinctively and often. And we held hands when we asked the blessing at mealtimes as a sign of our oneness as a family.
Phil. 3 says the goal of the Christian life is to press on to take hold of Jesus. Amazingly, Christ took hold of us first. The psalmist mentions the fact that God holds our hand too, for which I am grateful. Think about it, the hands that made the vast universe, who has the whole world in his hands, reassures me of his presence and love by holding my hand!
“Nevertheless, I am continually with you; you hold my right hand. You guide me with your counsel, and afterward you will receive me to glory. Whom have I in heaven but you? And there is nothing on earth that I desire besides you”. Psalms 73:23-26
“For I am the LORD your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you.” Isaiah 41:13