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Wednesday, March 2, 2011

Hands on the Tablecloth

Her hands are wrinkled now, as they lay on the tablecloth folded in anticipation. She gazes out the window through a ever deepening haze of cataracts. Its Sunday, surely they will call today. Her thoughts though, are of her kids, her husband, her home and her family. In her thoughts, her kids are laughing, playing, going to school, getting married, having babies, young and vibrant they talk to her asking for her help or advice. They ask her to take them to their ballgame, their work. They ask her, What's for supper? That's what's in her thoughts as she looks out the window waiting on them to call. But, Its in her thoughts she has value, happiness. Its where she is needed.

In another part of town, a new one arrives in the world. Born to parents she will never see, she is thrust into a world that is cold and hard. She never is held or cuddled. She does not know the feel of a parent's touch. She cries, not out of fear but of hunger. Hunger for a touch, a word, a glimpse of hope.

Even similar is the person who has insulated themselves because of the lack of connection. They may be struggling with hurt, with self-esteem, with scenes of childhood trauma that will not leave their mind. They struggle with communication and long for someone to make the first step. They isolate themselves to make the hurt go away. But the need for connection is the same. Does someone or will someone care?

Jesus stood on the hill outside Jerusalem with His arms stretched out in a voice saying to the people, Oh Jerusalem, Jerusalem...how often would I have gathered you together like a hen gathering her chicks, but you would not! I have to think He was so sad when He looked out upon the city. He saw the people that He came to deliver, refuse His delivery, turn their back on Him and eventually kill Him. Oh how sad that picture is. He said for us to love one another as He loved us. He said for in as much as you have done to the least of these, you have done it unto Me.

So what is stopping us from reaching out to lady at the table, the baby in the crib, the isolated one or to one of His at the shelter. They all are someone that is needing your touch, your connection? Sometimes, for me, its fear. I used to be afraid I would have to run the gauntlet of questions I put to myself why I wasn't doing this more than once in a while. I'm no longer afraid. We have push forward with intentional gratitude knowing that I will fail sometimes, but I will get up and keep trying. Knowing that He is with me, helping me.

Someone is waiting on your touch, voice, prayer, or visit. Take hold of what He has done for you and accept your worthiness in His salvation. Maybe its Him that is at the table waiting, in crib crying? Because, in as much as we have done it to the least of these...

Encouragement for you today,

Danl

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