Pastor Keith Smith tells of a Thanksgiving Day editorial in the newspaper about a schoolteacher who asked her first-graders to draw a picture of something they were thankful for. She taught in a poor area and knew that the families did not have much. She knew that most of them would simply draw pictures of turkeys on tables of food. This would certainly be a good way to remind them of the food that they could be thankful for at least. The teacher was taken aback with the picture Douglas handed in, a simple childishly drawn hand.

But whose hand was it? This class was captivated by the abstract image. “I think it must be the hand of God that brings us food,” said one child. “A farmer,” said another, “because he grows the turkeys.” Finally, when the others were back at work the teacher bent over Douglas’ desk and asked whose hand it was. “It’s your hand, teacher,” he mumbled.

She recalled that frequently at recess she had taken Douglas, a scrubby, deserted child, by the hand. She often did that with the children. But it meant so much to Douglas. Out of all the things he could he been thankful for thanksgiving, he was most thankful for his teacher’s hand.

It is difficult to argue against the fact that we are an incredibly blessed people. Throughout each day, we are the benefactors of technology and invention that has greatly improved our lives. We flip switches and lights come on. We hop in cars and quickly travel great distances. We even flush toilets and our waste is taken far from us. (When was the last time you said a prayer of gratitude about not having to clean an outhouse?)

Our houses are filled with things. We have rooms or garages dedicated to storing the extra stuff that we don’t even have room for in the rest of the house. We end up complaining about how cluttered our houses are and ask where should we go with all this stuff.

Frankly, there is not enough time in the day to thank God for all the ways He has blessed us and is blessing us, but the story of the student’s drawing reminds me of something that doesn’t make it into our prayers as much as it should. When was the last time that we thanked God for taking our hand and walking with us through each day?

It’s really amazing when you stop and think about it. Sometimes I struggle to comprehend how it could be true, even though I know it is. The sovereign Lord, who has created and has authority over all of creation, desires to be with me throughout each day. He cares about me, is always with me, and will never leave me.

God, under no obligation, draws close to each of us because He loves us. Read that as many times as you need to for it to sink in!

Douglas was a scrubby, deserted child whom the teacher took by the hand and in the process, showed that someone cared about him. We are sinners lost and stumbling through life but God takes us by the hand showing us His perfect love and the way to eternal life through faith in Jesus. “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” - Isaiah 41:10

People’s Evangelical Congregational Church is located at 216 Wagner St., Lehighton.