An Open Hand

Many times a day, I extend my arm behind me, fingers outstretched, waiting for a little hand to grab mine.  I grip that little hand tightly - keeping my child close - as we walk across a street, through a parking lot, or around a store.

I keep a tight fist around many other things, too.  Things I want to protect.  Things I call my own.

It is easy to open our hands to receive a gift…a life, a relationship, time, money, desires.  But once we have a gift, can we hold it with open hands?  Do we believe that God Himself will supply our needs, even if the gift goes?

“Therefore I command you, ‘You shall open wide your hand to your brother, to the needy and to the poor, in your land.’” Deuteronomy 15:11b

Have you ever watched a little boy catch a lady bug?  He holds it with a clenched fist and bright eyes – thrilled by his new find.  If he’s caught a lady bug before, it takes some coaxing to get him to open his fist.  He knows that he may only have a moment to examine the red and black insect before it flies away.

There always comes a time to open our hands.

Whether it’s time, money, even just a shower in the morning… 

 “Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, When it is in the power of your hand to do so.” Proverbs 3:27

Particularly in this season of mothering young children, there is a temptation for the mother to keep a tight grip on her body, her sleep, her “me time,” her morning shower or tea.  The Lord gently opens my fingers and shows me the blessing of keeping a loose grip on these gifts, for the sake of another.

Whatever season you are in, open your hand.  You’ll see the blessing of obedience and the goodness of God’s sovereignty as He allows those gifts to come and go.