334 SE Tecumseh Road  P.O. Box 5  Tecumseh, Kansas 66542  (785) 379-5005  Fax - (785) 379-5061

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Holding Hands Acts 9:36-43, John 10:22-30  Someone observed recently that Dottie (that’s my wife of nearly forty years, in case you didn’t know) and I hold hands when we’re walking together. True. As a matter of fact, when I mentioned it to Dottie, she recalled that when we were first married, my mother once commented on the fact that we held hands even back then. My parents were married for 66 years. I never once saw them holding hands, never once saw them kiss publicly. Sad.  For Dottie and I, no doubt holding hands started out of youthful love and romance - and I say that without embarrassment or apology. We were then, and are now, deeply in love with each other - I say that without embarrassment or apology. The holding of each other’s hands became a part of our relationship, and has always remained with us. Over the course of time, it has taken on other and deeper implications. In some memorable photos from out brief honeymoon in Estes Park, Dottie is seen crossing a small stream, standing on a log – she was all of 20 years old, long hair, able to balance on that log.(Come to think of it – maybe the long hair helped her balance. Well, that’s another story.) Over the course of time, Dottie’s hearing has gradually and significantly deteriorated. The hearing loss also negatively impacted her equilibrium, her balance. In fact, to assist Dottie’s balance when stepping up to the chancel area, Tecumseh UMC added a new post in the sanctuary. Holding hands with each other, in addition to being our tradition, to being loving (and just plain romantic), to being in literal touch with one another, now also provides some stability for Dottie. She could still cross that log in Estes Park, because I would be there to help maintain the necessary balance.  It’s not a one-way street, however. My sense of equilibrium has evolved over the years, and I need Dottie’s hand in order to keep from falling over or running into obstacles. And so, in all of this hand-holding ‘stuff’, there may be an analogy for the Christian life. In the passage from Acts, Peter performs a miracle by restoring life for the disciple Tabitha. The first thing Peter does when Tabitha opens her eyes: He gave her his hand and helped her up. (Acts 9:41) When Jesus is speaking about discipleship, he speaks of his sheep who will hear the voice of their shepherd and follow him. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish. No one will snatch them out of my hand. (John 10:28)   Holding hands is a good thing. It’s become an essential part of our relationship as husband and wife. It’s an essential part of the Christian journey. Jesus offers his hands and helps us maintain our balance. As disciples we reciprocate and hold out our hands to others, and in particular to those whose equilibrium is impaired. We go around putting up posts and railings and other devices which enable God’s people to stay in balance, with God’s help. Rather basic – don’t you think?  - Pastor Piet - April 29, 2007