The Sacred Act Of Holding Hands

This simple act has kept our union safe.

Anything can happen, when you forget to practice the art.

You can slip, or lose your way, or be run down.

We have practiced the art until we have refined it.

We never cross a busy street without the counsel of this clasp,

'cause in the uncertainties of this life, you just never know.

-Calvin Miller

After 17 years, I still love to hold your hand. Happy Anniversary to my beautiful wife, Alisha.

Moment

Moment: a short period of time; instant. The present time or any other period of time. A definite period or stage as in a course of events. Specific and measured amount of time.

Saturday I attended a graduation at Azusa University and as a sea of black cap and gowns walked across the temporary stage set up on the fifty yard line, I was struck by this thing we so easily dismiss, a moment. For many, years and countless funds have been invested. Great sacrifices have been made by individuals and families and in this moment we came together to celebrate their achievement, their sacrifice, and their future. Names were pronounced, degrees were read, terms like Doctor, Phd, and Masters were used and graduates marched across a stage as friends and families cheered their names. Pride was in the faces of parents and grandparents alike. Honors were given and diplomas received. It was a wonderful celebration and a defining moment for many.

Life is full of moments and not all can be celebrated. Most escape without us ever noticing them. They are full, bursting with events. School and work, children and spouse, gas stations and phone calls, the gym and texting, lunches and news, traffic and appointments and before we know it, the day is gone and the moments have passed.

I am not saying that we waste our moments. Life is busy and full and time is a valuable commodity for most. The thought that gave me pause was making sure we take moments to appreciate what we have, who we are and where God has brought us from. A defining moment can be good or bad and we can look back and appreciate those times for what they are. A battle with cancer, childhood of poverty, a home run, an A-plus, a divorce, death of a loved one, a first kiss, the best kiss, communion, salvation, baptism, a calling, a layoff, relocation, first car, first cool car, first practical car, bankruptcy, new business, birth of a child and the list goes on.

My prayer for you is that you take a moment, a measure of time, to reflect, appreciate and celebrate where you have been, where you are and where you are going. May it bring hope to you today, may you stay the course and hold to His promise. how great is our God for He has brought us a mighty long way!

written by
Todd Howard