There is a sketch that everyone is familiar with that is simply referred to as “Praying Hands.” The sketch was made by Albrecht Durer in 1508. The story behind the drawing is inspiring. Albrecht was one of 18 children; his father was a goldsmith by trade and worked every waking hour to supply for his family. Albrecht and one of his brothers Albert both dreamed of becoming artists. There was no way financially both could attend the Nuremberg Academy so they made a pact with each other. A coin was flipped and the loser would work in the mines to finance the others dream of attending the Academy. Four years later, the graduate would finance his brother’s attendance at the Academy. Albrecht won the coin toss and attended the Academy proving himself to be a tremendous talent. At the end of four years, he returned home to complete his agreement with his brother Albert. At a celebratory dinner of his return, he announced: “And now, Albert, blessed brother of mine, now it is your turn. Now you can go to Nuremberg to pursue your dream, and I will take care of you.”  Albert tearfully responded that his hands were so badly damaged from those four years working in the mines and that arthritis had almost completely taken over his right hand that he would never be able to hold a pen or a brush ever again. Legend has it that Albrecht’s famous sketch is of his brothers abused hands.

Not one of us lives our lives in a vacuum; we all have been impacted by others in a positive or negative way. Today as you consider pausing at noon to Bend-A-Knee in prayer may you uplift someone who has had a positive impact on your life. You may not have such a remarkable story to tell of another’s great sacrifice on your behalf as Albrecht but everyone of us has a tribute to extend to another.

The greatest tribute of course needs to be extended to the Eternal Son, named Jesus. He sacrificed everything on your behalf. You are so valuable to Him that He provided the means for you to become a child of God, a joint heir with Him. As you give thanks for those who have positively impacted your life spend some time in thanksgiving and adoration to Christ Jesus for His tremendous act of love on your behalf.

Stay connected to God & to others

God’s Peace,

Pastor Mike