Essay

Beautiful Hands

By: Katy Shea, 11/15/2020

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When we hear the expression “beautiful hands”, we may immediately visualize a pair of hands from a nail polish ad in a magazine- perfectly manicured nails, slender fingers; and a smooth and flawless skin tone. Although these airbrushed hands are pleasing to our eyes, the true beauty of our hands is expressed inside of our hearts.

Our hands may appear weathered, but that is from the many years of using them to live our lives honestly, independently, and diligently. We diligently type on our computer keyboards;we write heartfelt letters and lengthy lists; we dig in the garden and play in the sand; we ritually wash dishes and clean messes from floors; we cook creative dinners and we eat delicious foods; we cuddle and we caress our loved ones and our animals.

We lift weights, we lift boxes, and we lift each other up. We carry our groceries, our luggage, our baggage, and our blessed babies.

When life knocks us down, it is our hands that help us back up onto our feet again. We may fall down; but our hands help us rise up.

Our hands reflect our strength and our resilience. Our unwavering dedication to living fully and courageously over the years- is imprinted on our hands. What we may perceive as imperfections, are in fact, badges of honor.

Our hands tell our stories, they wipe our tears, they sway to the rhythm when we dance, and they lovingly welcome our friends and loved ones. We raise them in victory to celebrate our favorite sports teams, and we clap them in gratitude to praise a sensational theater performance.

Our hands are our love extenders. We give hugs, we hold hands, and we provide a gentle touch when others are hurting. We rock our babies to sleep; and we hold our grown children up when they need us. Our hands follow our heart’s instructions.

Our hands are an extension of our souls. Instead of frowning when we see an enlarged knuckle, a protruding vein, a crooked finger, or some darkened age spots- let us look kindly on our beautiful hands- which have guided us through each triumph and each trial.

Our hands connect us to God- as we hold them together in prayer.

Each one of us has truly beautiful hands. Each unique hand represents a life that has been authentically and fully lived. This genuine beauty is ageless and timeless. Let’s not be embarrassed by, or try to hide our hands.

Instead, let’s hold them up high, and wave them proudly. Our hands have been the proud conductors of our soul symphonies. Stroke by stroke, they have painted our life’s masterpieces.

Changes In Life

Becoming the woman you were meant to be

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