A Mother's Hands

Watching my body, mind, and heart transition into those of a mother has been interesting. One of the more interesting changes has been in my hands. They are more sensitive than they ever used to be. After going out shopping or running errands, my hands feel the build up of external grime in a way I never used to feel before. I'm motivated to wash my hands way more often than I ever used to. I'm sure this is because my hands are in charge of this little four month old daughter of mine. They bathe, change diapers, serve as pacifiers, teething toys, mobiles, tickle monsters, pick noses and ears and serve as overall buffers, protectors, and mediums between Kate's world and the rest of the world. Consequently, they are not the soft, sweet things they used to be. I'm sure the process will only continue as more years of housework and mothering take their toll. But, I'm proud of these hands -- they are given to us to use in the work God has placed before us.