God Has Working Hands: Poetry and Fine Art

by Hannah Sanders

God Has Working Hands, by Hannah Sanders, oil on panel

GOD HAS WORKING HANDS

But Jesus answered them, “My Father is working until now, and I am working.” – John 5:17

They are not soft, not ones with smooth

unworn caress. How far the hands

reach, reach

     gentle, weathered, tender,

                                           open.

God has working hands. Invisible

Gardener tending, making meaning.

Solid, unwavering, firm, foundation of

rock beneath sleeping 

dirt bed.

Even the surly soil, waking,

exhales its dandelions. Watch them rise

up, up 

brave, bold, luminous,

                          steadied.

God has working hands. Spread

in blessing, scattering seed.

Unabating mercy ever reaching,

tugging at clenched fists 

holding weeds.

Wrangling release.

Details of medium and approach:

God has Working Hands is an oil painting on clay-coated hardboard panel. When I read Jesus’s words in John 5:17, I picture God’s hands like a gardener’s hands covered in earth and worn from labor.

HANNAH SANDERS

Hannah Sanders is a follower of Christ, wife, mom, teacher, artist, and writer. She loves all things bookish, afternoon tea, and growing things that bring butterflies and hummingbirds to her yard. She is happiest in the mountains and when surrounded by tall trees.