~*~*~*~

~*~*~*~

Here are the hands, your father's hands,

For you, the ground they tilled.

Hands that cradled, spanked, and laboured

So your life might be filled.

Here are the hands, your mother's hands,

That cherished you from birth.

Hands that bandaged, soothed, and nurtured,

So you might know your worth.

Here are the hands, your brother's hands,

That followed all your laws.

Hands that pestered, played, created,

So you might know your flaws.

Here are the hands, your sister's hands,

That pointed here and there.

Hands that ordered, reached, applauded,

So you might know she cares.

Here are the hands, your good friend's hands,

That always did the same.

Hands that copied, mimed and mimicked,

So you might learn their game.

Here are some hands, some special hands,

So scarred and hurt they've been!

Hands so tortured, nailed, and wounded,

None like you've ever seen.

These are the hands, beloved hands,

That bore the pain for you.

Hands that doctored, prayed and gentled,

So you might know what's true.

Here are my hands, my own two hands,

That look so young and small.

But they accept the gift God gave:

The price He paid for all.

~

~*~*~*~

~*~*~*~

Another soul, another face,
Spanning across the time and space.

Between them a great distance lies,
With written words their only ties.

On different sides of earth they are,
Through words so near, and yet so far.

Computer screen becomes a link,
Sending thoughts in less than a blink.

A soul and face I do not know
Except for words my screen will show.

Laughing - smiling - I come to see
How wonderful these folks must be.

Gradually I learn their ways,
And after quite a many days,

The simple words become much more,
As though we’re talking through a door.

Though not a face I’d recognize,
Their happy voices; smiling eyes:

I can imagine in my head,
Uniqueness in each word that’s said.

With these words my computer sends,
I count these people as my friends.

Which often causes me despair,
For all the times I can’t be there:

To offer them a tight embrace,
A gentle touch, or smiling face;

To help their pain, their grief or tears,
To bear their worries, thoughts or fears.

I’m stranded oh so far away,
With only simple words to say.

Computer screen my only sign
That everyone is doing fine.

The worries try to eat at me,
“How are they when I cannot see?”

And in this thing I know I must
Learn to lean on the God I trust.

For He is everywhere, I know.
In every place that I can’t go.

So in His hands I place my friends,
From every place on earthly ends.

I know someday we all will meet,
A time I know will be most sweet.

But up till then, God be with you,
And someday I will meet you too.

God loves you more than words could say,
For this I’m grateful for each day.

Praying across the time and space,
Until the day we see His face.
~