I set my eyes on the door of the bank, eager to step in before other clients so I can finish my bank transaction for the day right away. But then I saw a silver-haired man, wobbling and slowly reaching for the single, slender trunk of an ornamental plant outside the bank. He was obviously looking for something firm to hold on to as he makes his way slowly and unsteadily towards the bank.
I rushed to the old man and extended my right hand. He beamed, pleasantly surprised at the gesture. Then he muttered, "This arthritis... I couldn't move because of this."
As I held his wrinkled hand to support him, I felt his thick, hard palm and fingers. He continued to explain how difficult it is for him to move around, and was even apologetic for being elderly. Before entering the bank, he repeatedly thanked me, grateful for the sudden but much needed help.
I tried to imagine how that grandfather must have felt while staggering his way to the bank. Was he afraid of tripping and hurting his fragile self? Did he pity himself for being weak and alone, without a family member to support him?
It will be some more years before all my hair turn to gray and before my knees shake. But sometimes, like that old man, I also stagger, hindered by fear, worry and condemnation. I question present realities and wish for another life. Then, God extends His big hands to me, wraps me in His arms and comforts me with His reassuring love. Fear disappears in the presence of my comforting, loving God.
For I am the Lord your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, "Do not fear; I will help you." Isaiah 41:13.
Are you afraid of someone or something? Do you spend sleepless nights worrying about things which might not even happen? Is your outlook about the future bleak and hopeless? Don't be afraid; God is reaching out His hands to you. He will be with you to help you.
I rushed to the old man and extended my right hand. He beamed, pleasantly surprised at the gesture. Then he muttered, "This arthritis... I couldn't move because of this."
As I held his wrinkled hand to support him, I felt his thick, hard palm and fingers. He continued to explain how difficult it is for him to move around, and was even apologetic for being elderly. Before entering the bank, he repeatedly thanked me, grateful for the sudden but much needed help.
I tried to imagine how that grandfather must have felt while staggering his way to the bank. Was he afraid of tripping and hurting his fragile self? Did he pity himself for being weak and alone, without a family member to support him?
It will be some more years before all my hair turn to gray and before my knees shake. But sometimes, like that old man, I also stagger, hindered by fear, worry and condemnation. I question present realities and wish for another life. Then, God extends His big hands to me, wraps me in His arms and comforts me with His reassuring love. Fear disappears in the presence of my comforting, loving God.
For I am the Lord your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, "Do not fear; I will help you." Isaiah 41:13.
Are you afraid of someone or something? Do you spend sleepless nights worrying about things which might not even happen? Is your outlook about the future bleak and hopeless? Don't be afraid; God is reaching out His hands to you. He will be with you to help you.
