Although the Dürer story below is partially apocryphal, according to art historians and others who have looked carefully at this famous pen-and-ink drawing, the meaning conveyed by Ardath Rodale still stands: Hands tell stories about our character and deeds. In this excerpt from her Everyday Miracles, Rodale reminds us not to take for granted how much hands give to us and how much we receive from them.
"Please look at your hands. They are a history book of where you've been and everything you've touched and worked for. Think of the handshakes you've shared and pause for a moment to remember how they felt — some weak or strong, others soft or rough. Through their hands, you felt some of the other person's character and even the kind of work they've done. Remember how your hands feel when you hold a small baby or someone of any age. They are filled with love and beauty.
"I remember the hand of a kind hospital intern comforting me during a spinal tap procedure and, another time, the hands of a nurse who had tended my dying son cradling my face as she calmed and consoled me before a serious operation.
"You are probably familiar with the famous painting The Praying Hands by German artist Albrecht Dürer. There is a meaningful story about it. Being an artist was Durer's fondest dream. He had another artist friend, an older man, and the two of them struggled together to stay alive. The friend told Durer to continue painting, and he would go out to work. When funds came in from selling the paintings, he said, he would begin painting again himself. Sadly, the friend who labored to support them developed enlarged joints and twisted fingers that made it impossible for him to hold a paintbrush. One day, Durer saw his friend kneeling in prayer. He said, 'I can never give back the skill in those hands, but I can show the world the feeling of love and gratitude which is in my heart for his noble deed.' Now, those praying hands have inspired people all over the world.
"At the summer children's camp on our farm this year, one little girl had an accident, and other girls gently stroked her hair, trying to comfort her. I carefully laid my hands on her injured leg and told them that hands can help heal. 'Can they really?' they asked, and I said, 'It happened to me.' A calmness spread over the injured child.
"The camp children are so spontaneous and loving. When they see me coming down to the farm, they cry, 'Ardie!' and run with outstretched hands into my waiting arms for hugs. Look at what our hands can do!
"Please hold your palms upward to receive special gifts of love and kindness. Now turn your palms downward and feel that you are giving back love and kindness through service to others.
"May our lives be a blessing as we reach out spreading joy and sharing peace, hope, healing, and love in every season of the year. I reach out to touch you!”