SHINING LIGHT

DAY 1: Hands

By: Gabriela Yareliz Gonzalez, Editor of Modern Witnesses

Hi friends,

Last year, we had an absolute blast journeying through the Seven Days of Gratitude. We explored the topics of being free, wellness, podcasts, books, the everyday things, mindfulness and the unseen. I gave you my personal list of gratitude, and I encouraged you to make your own list and share it. Many of you shared via posts and stories with #7daysofgratitude, and you tagged us. It was incredibly uplifting.

We have some new themes, this year. I hope you will join us in the challenge. I hope you find this as uplifting as I did– a powerful reminder of all that is right.

As always, I am grateful for you. I hope those of you outside of the United States participate and learn why so many of us love the holiday of Thanksgiving.

Wishing all of you a beautiful season of gratitude.

xx

GY

[Image from @baileyconrad]

DAY 1: HANDS

Today’s theme is hands. We often just think of them in the context of lotion, gloves when it’s cold, manicures, and rings. We take our hands for granted. They do so much for us. These are some of my favorite things:

We Write

One of my favorite things to do in the world is write. Whether it’s writing for the website, my personal blog, a text message (I send a lot of these) or an email– even my day job as an attorney– things would be so much harder if I couldn’t write out my thoughts with ease. It’s something I do, every day.

Think of everything written over time, including the Scriptures– many writers’ hands have changed the world.

We Cook/Serve

It’s obvious that it would be pretty hard to cook without using your hands. Hands help us create meals that nourish ourselves and those we love. Service is a call to action. Action means we use our hands and feet.

[Image via @sezane]

We Turn Pages

Books are my vice. I love reading. I was on the train the other day, reading a New Yorker magazine, and I was standing. The train was in motion and packed, so I had to hold on to the germy poll (I love winter, when I can wear gloves and not hold onto the poll, directly). Due to the fact that I was holding onto the poll for dear life, I couldn’t turn the pages of my magazine. It’s pretty hard to turn a page or touch a news app without your hand. #gratitude.

[Image via @sezane]

We Feel/Embrace

For some of us, it’s our love language. Using touch is a way to reduce anxiety and be present in the moment. Touching water, a velvet dress, sequins, a soft blanket, a ripe fruit.

A hug, a hand held, an arm squeeze– no amount of verbal or written communication can replace a touch or embrace. Don’t ever pass up the opportunity to love.

We Transport Ourselves

If you drive, you (probably) use your hands on the wheel. If you take a train or bus, you swipe cards, push in money, and perhaps hold the aforementioned germy poll. We get from point A to point B because of our hands.

[Image via @sezane]

In what ways do you use your hands that you are grateful for? Make your list!

“All of you together are Christ’s body, and each of you is a part of it.” 1 Cor. 12:27

Share your lists with us on stories or post on IG, and tag us @modernwitnesses_ and #7daysofgratitude. You can also find us on Twitter @modernwitnesses.

Don’t forget to show your hands some tender care, today. They sure do a lot. May we always use our hands to glorify and worship our God and to serve our fellow man.