Holding Hands

I've been thinking a lot about the comforting ability of hands. I know that sounds weird but hear me out. I've had some awkward or uncomfortable situations lately, or even just moments of stress and panic. It's been interesting for me (especially since I've been thinking about it so much) to notice how my spirit can be calmed with just the touch of a hand.

Examples from lately?

I had a really heartbreaking conversation with someone really close to me last week. We looked at each other with tears and he put his hand on my cheek. I immediately felt understanding and kindness in the midst of a difficult situation.

At Nikki's house this weekend, I was jumping on the trampoline with the two sweetest little girls you will ever meet. Ryah bear got a little spooked at a particularly big jump, and her scared face was the cutest thing I've ever seen. In her moment of pure terror, she reached her hand out to me and I reached right back and saved her from falling on her face. She squeezed my hand hard and looked up at me to laugh once she realized everything was okay. I thought I would burst right then from how sweet and tender the little moment was.

I went to visit a friend at school and felt a little bit awkward since it was his element and not mine. I was surrounded by lots of strange faces and felt a little worried about what was going to happen. He reached down for my hand to lead me through the people, and I felt safe and secure and even a little silly for being so nervous.

Driving in the car tonight, there was a little silent moment that normally wouldn't be a big deal, but with my insecure and stressed brain right now everything gets blown out of proportion. I was starting to feel worried when he reached his hand across the seat and rubbed my knee for a minute. All of my stupid, misplaced worry went right out the window and I felt security and peace again.

See what I mean? It's cool. And it makes me think a lot about Jesus Christ and His pierced hands, and how they are the ultimate source of comfort and love.

I looked up "hands" on lds.org tonight and found this gem - it is so so fitting with my life right now. I love it.

The Lord Thy God Will Hold Thy Hand

The Savior's figurative and literal hands are where I need to place my trust. I have no reason to worry or stress, because ultimately He is in control. I have so many more experiences where I have felt total comfort, love, and protection from Him - just like those stories above. (Okay not just like. But you know what I'm saying.)

How grateful I am during stressful times like this to know that I am a part of a plan. A plan created by someone much more powerful and wise than myself - thank heavens. My plans definitely have not been the best ones so far. I know He is guiding me, slowly but surely, with His loving, broken, gentle hands.

I hope you read the article. It's a good one.

-Kristina