The Awesome Story Of ‘Grandpa’s Hands’

Maybe you've read this story called "Grandpa's Hands" and maybe you haven't. If you have, you'll probably read it again, and if you haven't, then after you'll reading this you'll never look at your hands the same. Below is the story of "Grandpa's Hands" describing all of the things a person's hands can go through and experience throughout a life time.

Grandpa,  some  ninety plus years, sat feebly on the patio bench. He didn't move, just sat with his head down staring at his hands. When I sat down beside him he didn't acknowledge my presence and the longer I sat, I wondered if he was OK.

Finally, not really wanting to disturb him but wanting to check on him at the same time, I asked him if he was OK.

He raised his head and looked at me and smiled. "Yes, I'm fine. Thank you for asking," he said in a clear strong voice.

"I  didn't mean to  disturb you, Grandpa, but you were just sitting here staring at your hands and I wanted to make sure you were  OK," I explained to him.  

"Have you ever looked at your hands," he asked. "I mean really looked at your hands?"  

I  slowly opened my  hands and stared down at them. I turned them over, palms up and then palms down. No, I guess I had  never really looked at my hands  as I  tried to figure out the point he was making. Grandpa smiled and related this story:

"Stop and think for a moment about the hands you have, how they have served you well throughout your years. These hands, though wrinkled, shriveled, and weak have been the  tools  I have used all my life to reach out and grab and embrace life. They put food in my mouth and clothes on my  back.    

• As a child my mother taught me to fold them in prayer.  

• They tied my shoes and pulled on my boots. 

• They have been dirty, scraped and raw, swollen and bent. 

• They were uneasy and clumsy when I tried to hold my newborn son. 

• Decorated with my wedding band they showed the world that I was married and loved someone special.  

• They trembled and shook when I buried my parents and spouse and walked my daughter down the  aisle.  

• They have covered my face, combed my hair, and washed and cleansed the rest of my body. 

• They have  been sticky and wet, bent and broken, dried and  raw. 

• And to this day, when not much of anything else of me works real  well, these hands hold me up, lay me down, and again continue to fold in prayer.  

• These hands are the mark of where I've been and the ruggedness of my life. 

• But more importantly it will be these hands that God will reach out and take when he leads me home. 

• And with my hands He will lift me to His side and there I will use these hands to touch the face of Christ." 

I will  never look at my hands the same again. But I remember God reached out and took my grandpa's hands and led him home. When my hands are hurt or sore I think of Grandpa. I know he has been stroked and caressed and held by the hands of God. I, too,  want to touch the face of God and feel His hands upon my face.