Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. Phil 2:3,4

The “Praying Hands” are much, much more than just a work of art,
They are the “soul’s creation” of a deeply thankful heart –
They are a priceless Masterpiece that love alone could paint,
And they reveal the Selflessness of an unheralded saint –
These hands so scarred and toilworn tell the story of a man
Who sacrificed his talent in accordance with God’s Plan –
For in God’s plan are many things man cannot understand,
But we must trust God’s judgement and be guided by His Hand –
Sometimes He asks us to give up our dreams of happiness,
Sometimes we must forego our hopes of fortune and success –
Not all of us can triumph or rise to heights of fame,
And may times what should be ours goes to another name –
But he who makes a sacrifice so another may succeed
Is indeed a true disciple of our blessed Saviour’s creed –
For when we “give ourselves away “ in sacrifice and love,
We are “laying up rich treasures” in God’s Kingdom up above –
And hidden in gnarled, toil worn hands is the truest Art of Living –
Achieved alone by those who’ve learned the “Victory of Giving” –
For any sacrifice on earth, made in the dear Lord’s name,
Assures the giver of a place in Heaven’s Hall of Fame –
And who can say with certainty where the Greatest Talent Lies,
Or who will be the Greatest in Our Heavenly Father’s Eyes!
Helen Steiner Rice