And now I am a mom and I am realizing just how much work my hands do, every single day.

Which reminds me of this poem, that I was first introduced to as a young teenager.

Mama's Hands

I saw you hide your hands in line, 

behind that lady fair.

I noticed too,hers soft and white;

Immaculate from care. 

But Ma, I say, it's no disgrace 

to have workin' hands like you, 

and had she lived the life you have, 

she'd have hands just like that too. 

But her hands have never hauled in wood, 

or worked in God's good Earth. 

They've never felt the bitter cold, 

or chopped ice for waitin' stock. 

They've never doctored sick ones, 

or dressed a horses hock.

They've never pulled a hip-locked calf, 

or packed water to the barn. 

They've probably never patched blue jeans, 

or had worn' ol socks to darn. 

They've never touched a young'n, 

or caressed a fevered head, 

with hands so gently folded, 

all night beside his bed. 

They've never scrubbed a kitchen floor, 

or done dishes everyday.

They've never guided with those hands, 

a child who's lost the way. 

They've never made a Christmas gift, 

shaped by a lovin' hand.

They've never peeled apples; 

nor vegetables, they've canned. 

They've never worn a blister 

or had calluses to show, 

for all they've done for others, 

and the kindness I know. 

So you see, my dearest Mama; 

yours are hands of love. 

And I bet the Lord will notice 

when he greets you from above.

Tommi Jo Casteel

Sure, many of us do not farm at all (although I know some do...) but all of us work hard, especially our hands.

During the winter months I notice it the most - the wear of my hands - the dry, cracked, slightly red skin that covers my mommy hands. And I always have some nice cream to combat this...

Take a moment and picture what your mother's hands look like.

Your grandmothers...




Whatever life has dealt us eventually does show on our hands - I am positive - and these mommy hands are sure to be one of the first signs of the work it takes.

So as you invest in yet another set of good creams and potions for your now more worn mommy hands, know that such wear and tear is a trophy you get to display - a trophy that tells everyone who meets you that you are a mommy - either in the trenches, or one that has spent time in the trenches.

And the next time you notice an older woman's hands, realize that she too has done her time in the trenches, and allow that to sink in.  We are not alone in this journey, many others are standing alongside of us as we learn the secrets.

I hope that even as I rub more lotion into my tired mommy hands tonight, there is a day in my future when my hands can speak for me - that I spent time in the trenches and I have wonderful legacies to shine as proof of it.










Linked up with: http://www.missionalwomen.com/31/post/2012/12/called-to-be-faithful.html, http://nictomsmom.blogspot.com/2012/12/caffeinated-christmas-we-all-need-him.html, http://www.whatjeanlikes.com, http://christianmommyblogger.com/fellowship-fridays-17/, http://www.piecesofamy.blogspot.com/, http://www.athometake2.com/, http://www.yourthrivingfamily.com/2012/12/weekend-whatever-50.html, http://www.cheeriosandlattes.com/saturday-show-tell-41/, http://the-life-of-faith.blogspot.com/, http://www.whatjoyismine.com/, http://www.thebettermom.com/