I woke up this morning with stiff joints in my fingers, likely a result of my previous night’s sewing project. I squeezed my hands into fists. They would be fine after my shower. My temporary pain made me pause and think of the many things I enjoyed doing with my hands. Typing my blogs, sewing, craft projects, giving my grandchildren backrubs and tickles, massaging my husband’s shoulders, or ruffling my son Josh’s hair. What can I say, he has great hair!

As I thought of all the things I enjoy because of my hands, I couldn’t help but think of my mother, who used her hands to teach me so much. She gave us childhood backrubs, taught us to sew, showed us how to bake a cake, peel potatoes, cut carrots, plant seeds, and husk corn. Mom’s hands had combed my hair and spanked my bottom. Her hands created beautiful music. I remember many evenings gathered around the piano as Mom or Colleen played and we all sang. Mom would harmonize her alto voice with my soprano. Our mini-concerts always ended with the song: “God Be with You till We Meet Again.”

Today would have been Mom’s eighty-fifth birthday. Trust me, there would have been an all-out party. Mom loved social events. Memories of her 80th birthday party are fresh in my mind, the birthday cake shaped like a sewing machine, the songs sang to her by her grandchildren, the guests who came to celebrate her. I’m so glad we put the party together. We had so much fun. We never imagined it would be one of her last birthdays here with us on earth.

In Mom’s final weeks, massaging her hands helped her to relax. Holding them assured her we were there, and she wasn’t alone. As we prayed together with our hands all joined together, she expressed love and concern for each of her grandchildren and children. When the cancer spread, her hands swelled with fluid. Although they no longer looked quite like her hands, when she extended them to us, they communicated her love.

I’m so grateful for Mom’s hands that taught me how to use my hands to work, play, and serve others. Because of her example and legacy, there is one thing I’m certain of. She is still using her hands to love and serve our Lord. For as our familiar childhood song reminds us, God is indeed with Mom and with us, until we meet again. Happy Birthday Mom.

““Look! Look! God has moved into the neighborhood, making his home with men and women! They’re his people, He’s their God. He’ll wipe every tear from their eyes. Death is gone for good—tears gone, crying gone, pain gone—all the first order of things gone.” Revelations. 21:3-4 (MSG).

“I thank God every time I remember you…being confident of this, that he who began a good work in your will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” Philippians 1:3-6 (NIV).