Living the Dash

Do we have the serving hands of the Potter or a heart that has grown cold and hardened?

Picture the hands of a carpenter, shaping wood with skill and purpose. The hands of a potter, molding clay with gentle care. The hands of a healer, reaching out in compassion. There’s an undeniable beauty in hands that work, hands that serve, hands that reflect the creative spirit within us.

But what about the calluses we can’t see? The ones that harden not on our skin, but around our hearts, hindering our ability to feel God’s touch and respond to His call?

Calloused hands often tell a story. Hands like those of the apostle Paul, stitching tens to support his ministry, they speak of unwavering commitment. Hands like these also bear the marks of giving, of putting others’ needs before our own, mirroring Christ’s selfless love. They also represent the work of building up our communities, caring for the sick, and providing for the needs of others.

Think of the hands that build homes, the hands that till the soil to feed the hungry, the hands that reach out to comfort the broken. There is tangible beauty in the labor that serves.

In stark contrast, a calloused heart is a spiritual danger. It’s a gradual hardening that can occur as we navigate life’s challenges. A hardened heart becomes less sensitive to the Holy Spirit’s promptings, like soil that can no longer receive the seed. Having a cold, calloused heart can also mean that you struggle to empathize with the pain of others, hindering our ability to truly love as Christ loved. We often build walls around ourselves, fearing vulnerability and intimacy with God and with others.

Also consider someone whose hands are pristine, but whose heart is hardened by pride and self-interest. They may be successful in worldly terms, but their lack of empathy leaves them spiritually impoverished and unable to connect with God or others on a deeper level.

The goal is not to reject the dignity of labor, but to integrate it with a heart that is open to God. God calls us to work, to cultivate the earth, to use our gifts and talents – this is a part of His good design. But our work must be balanced with a vibrant relationship with God, a time for prayer, worship, and spiritual reflection.

So how can we soften our hearts to keep it tender and receptive to God’s love?

• Abide in Christ. Spend time in God’s presence, allowing Him to soften our hearts.
• Seek His guidance. Pray for sensitivity to the Holy Spirit’s leading.
• Practice gratitude. Cultivate a thankful heart, recognizing God’s blessings.
• Love as He loves. Strive to love others with the same self-giving love that Christ demonstrated.