Sweetest Embrace…

Nothing quiet like being held. Babies who are cuddled thrive – those fed and diapered but not held have been known to die.  Recently I witnessed a precious groom sweetly cradle his new bride’s face in his hand as he kissed her.

Just look at mothers’ hands. Gone (for the most part) are the manicured nails and smooth skin. But out of all the caring those hands do, comes a sureness and beauty that speaks without words – these hands know how to hold.

Throughout Jesus’ ministry here on earth the Bible speaks often of people coming and asking for Him to touch them with His hands. Just a touch – somehow knowing in their hearts that in His hands were healing, forgiveness, peace. And Jesus, just before His last breath on the cross, spoke these words: “Father, into Your hands I commit My Spirit.” (Luke 23:46)

After He rose from the dead He showed His hands. Even more beautiful than before, though scarred from spikes – they revealed He holds the keys to death and life.

As I squeeze my grandson’s sweet cheeks between my palms, love swells. In the tender hug of a friend, love grows. In the hand holding of a husband and wife, the love grown through struggle and triumph is solidified. In the sweetest embrace, the one we receive as we pass from this life and behold Jesus’ face, that embrace assures: “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails.” (1Corinthians 13:4-8 NIV)

So, dear one, if you know Jesus, you are being held – don’t let go. And some sweet day you’ll hold the hands that stretched out willingly on a cross in order to hold you forever.