Empty Hands

There was a beautiful reflection on Spirlaw on Monday about God wanting to give us something but he can't because our hands are already full.

It reminded me of a poem my dad showed me awhile back. (I'm pretty sure I've included it in a blog post before, but it's a good one to include again.)

One by one He took them from me, 
The things I valued most, 
Until I was empty-handed; 
 Every glittering toy was lost. 

And I walked Earth's highways grieving, 
In my rags and poverty, 
'Til I heard His voice inviting, 
"Lift your empty hands to me!" 

So I held my hands toward Heaven, 
And He filled them with a store, 
Of His own transcendent riches, 
'Til they could contain no more. 

Then at last I comprehended, 
With my stupid mind, and dull, 
God cannot pour His blessings, 
Into hands already full. 

- Martha Snell Nicholson

"Stuff" tends to be an overwhelming burden in our society, often taking over our time and energy. Lent is a good time to reflect on what "stuff" is preventing us from lifting our hearts, minds, and hands to God. It is a time to ask ourselves what we need to rid ourselves of in order to make more room for God's abundant graces and love...