"THANKSGIVING" HANDS Many of us are familiar the famous "Praying Hands" picture. The sculpture was created by Albrecht Durer, the Geman born - son of a Hungarian goldsmith. While studying art in Germany, Albrecht and a friend roomed together. Since the living expenses were so high and the income they earned was so little, they decided to take turn to work a full time job to support each other in order to finish their study. Albert Durer's roomate insisted that he would be the one to work first and he would study later. The result is that Albert was able to finish his study and became a skilled artist and engraver. When the turn came for Albert's friend to study, they found out that his friend's hands were so swollen that he was no longer able to paint any arts with skill due to his hard labor as he assumed the burden of support Albert. His friend's career as an artist was ended. Albert was sad for his friend's disappointment due the suffering. One day when Albert returned to their room he heard his friend praying and saw his hands held in a reverent attitude of prayer. At this moment, Albert received the inspiration to create the picture of those wonderful "Praying Hands" as the expression of his love and appreciation for the self-sacrificing labor which his friend had done for him. During the "Thanksgiving" time, besides giving thanks to God for His provision and blessings, each one of us should be thankful for other people whom God has given in supporting us in different ways. Nobody can be successful in doing anything alone without the sacrificial love from our family and friends. Knowing or not, many "Praying Hands" have been lifted up for one another in Christ, Jesus our Lord. 1 Corinthians 12:14-27. Key verse: "If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it." (v. 26) |