South Mountain

I feel like I’m going to do something big with my life

He said

I used to think that too

I replied

What? You don’t think you have?

Not really.

You don’t think helping thousands of people walk is really big.

Hmmm

Winter depression has been deep

Too deep to see the good being done at the surface

Atop South Mountain I pray

Waiting for a sense of presence and hoping for a word of encouragement

I consider for what I’m to be grateful

Eventually, I notice my hands

I hold them out and ponder what they have done

Has it been really big?

These hands have operated on thousands of hips and knees

Delivered babies

Placed IVs in veterans

Taken Sherry’s hand in marriage

Held my babies

Prayed over the sick and dying

Held my dying father’s hand

Comforted my mother as she grieved

These hands have been raised in praise

Folded in prayer

Held by comforting pastors

Prayed over hundreds of patients hand in hand

Taken a patient’s hand in prayer and had fear leave her instantly—

Her words, not mine

These hands are a really big deal, a gift from my loving Father God.

They have given much to ministry

Guided children in nurseries

Led children in youth groups

Openly received our Father’s good and perfect gifts

I rejoice and I will continue to rejoice

I feel the sadness lifting

I think it’s gone

At least at this moment, sitting atop South Mountain