12/22/18 Weekend Grif.Net - A Hand
Robert Griffin
These were the weeks of school after Thanksgiving and before Christmas break. The first grade teacher gave her class a fun assignment related to BOTH holidays. Draw a picture of a present they hoped to get AND for which they were truly thankful.
Most of the class immediately had ideas for their picture. Some thought of food, others of family. Dolls and toys also topped the list. The teacher smiled at the subjects of most of her student’s art.
But Douglas made a different kind of picture. Douglas was a different kind of boy. He was the teacher’s true child of misery, frail and unhappy. As other children played at recess, Douglas was likely to stand close by her side. One could only guess at the pain Douglas felt behind those sad eyes.
Yes, his picture was different. He had drawn a hand. Nothing else. Just an empty hand.
His abstract image captured the imagination of his classmates. Whose hand could it be?
One child guessed it was the hand of a farmer, because farmers grew food. Another suggested a police officer, because the police protect and care for people. Still others guessed it was the hand of God, for God feeds us. And so the discussion went — until the teacher almost forgot the young artist himself.
When the children had gone on to other assignments, she paused at Douglas’ desk, bent down, and asked him whose hand it was.
The little boy looked away and muttered, “It’s yours, teacher.”
She recalled the times she had taken his hand and walked with him here or there, as she had the other students. How often had she said, “Take my hand, Douglas, we’ll go outside.” Or, ”Let me show you how to hold your pencil.” Or, “Let’s do this together.” The greatest gift to Douglas was his teacher’s hand.
Brushing aside a tear, she went on with her work.
Keep reaching out, because you may help pull someone out of darkness and guide them into the light.
~~
Dr Bob Griffin
"Jesus Knows Me, This I Love!"