Willing Hands

While reading about the virtuous woman in Proverbs 31, I noticed the word “hands” is mentioned at least five times. The virtuous woman willingly works with her hands, she reaches out to the needy with her hands. She plants and receives the fruit of her hands.  

It matters what we do with our hands whether it’s lifting the head of an upset child or washing dishes for the third time in a single day or lifting them up to worship the Lord. The Lord sees it all and delights in every detail of our lives. He sees all and He establishes the work of our hands. 

Last year I had the privilege of sitting with my grandmother during her last days on earth and I enjoyed listening to my mother and great aunt as they shared stories of my grandmother’s life. I tried to soak up every word they spoke and every memory they shared as we sat by her bedside. My great aunt told me how their grandmother would hold and look at their hands and say “child, what will these little hands have to go through in this life?” I watched my wonderful and faithful mother honor and take care of her mother day and night. With her hands my mom fed her, clothed her and comforted her as she caressed her head and held her hand. During my grandmother’s life, those small yet strong hands of hers hugged and comforted, held and rocked grandchildren and great grandchildren, wiped away tears, prepared meals, made the most beautiful bows for wreaths and presents, planted all kinds of flowers, blew kisses, clapped and rejoiced, and much more. My mother held her hand until she reached for the hand of Jesus. How precious, my grandmother was there for my mother’s first breath and my mother was there for her last breath on this earth. 

My grandmother is no longer on this earth, but the flowers she planted continue to bloom, the notes and letters she wrote continue to inspire. The bird houses that filled her yard continue to provide shelter for birds. The work of my grandmother’s hands are still evident today. Our prayers, our love and the work of our hands are never in vain.

Proverbs 31 tells us that the virtuous woman has willing hands. Willing hands that put down the less important for the most important. Willing hands that pick up her Bible for direction and peace instead of her phone. Willing to do the hard work that rewards her whole family. Willing to hold the hand of a dying loved one because she knows death is never final, it’s only the beginning of eternal life. Willing to serve her family and strangers alike. Willing to worship the Lord with her whole heart. Willing to unclench and empty her hands of worries and fears because she safely trusts in the One who holds her in His hands. 

She seeks wool and flax,
and works with willing hands. 

Proverbs 31:13

And let the beauty of the LORD our God be upon us, And establish the work of our hands for us; Yes, establish the work of our hands.

Psalm 90:17

My soul clings to you; your right hand upholds me. Psalm 63:8

He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. Colossians 1:17