At first it sounded like a Thanksgiving story, but the more I
reflected on it, the more appropriate it seemed for any time of
the year. 

The way I heard it, the story went like this:

THE HAND

Copyright © 2004
by Lin Stone

 Thanksgiving Day was near. The first grade teacher gave her class a fun assignment -- to draw a picture of something for which they were thankful.

Most of the class might be considered economically disadvantaged, but still many would celebrate the holiday with turkey and other traditional goodies of the season. These, the teacher thought, would be the subjects of most of her student's art. And they were.

But Douglas made a different kind of picture.  Douglas was a different kind of boy. He was the teacher's true child of misery, frail and unhappy. As other children played at recess, Douglas was likely to stand close by her side. One could only guess at the pain Douglas felt behind those sad eyes.

Yes, his picture was different. When asked to draw a picture of something for which he was thankful, he drew a hand. Nothing else. Just an empty hand.

Click to enlarge

Steve Goodier is a professional speaker, consultant and author of numerous books. Visit his site for more information, or to sign up for his FREE newsletter of Life, Love and Laughter.

His abstract image captured the imagination of his peers. 

Whose hand could it be? 

One child guessed it was the hand of a farmer,
because farmers raise turkeys. 

Another suggested a police officer, 
because the police protect and care for people. 

Still others guessed it was the hand of God, 
for God feeds us. 

And so the discussion went 
-- until the teacher almost forgot the young artist himself.

 When the children had gone on to other assignments, she paused at Douglas' desk, bent down, and asked him whose hand it was. 

The little boy looked away and murmured, "It's yours, teacher."

She recalled the times she had taken his hand and walked with him here or there, as she had the other students. How often had she said, "Take my hand, Douglas, we'll go outside." Or, "Let me show you how to hold your pencil." Or, "Let's do this together."

Douglas was most thankful 
for his teacher's hand.

Brushing aside a tear, 
she went on with her work.

Ten Steps for Surviving an Earthquake. Ducking under something at the first tremor, a car, or a desk, can get you killed. Here are the ten steps that can save your life. 

Most people will do anything they can to steer far clear of situations that may take a violent turn. But there is always the chance that violent behavior can erupt -- uninvited and unexpected. What can you do then to protect yourself from danger? 

The story speaks of more than thankfulness. 
It says something about teachers teaching 
and parents parenting 
and friends showing friendship, 

and how much it means to the Douglases of the world. 
They might not always say thanks. 
But they'll remember the hand that reaches out.

the end

There are MANY MORE  Hand-Picked Essays
in these following categories

Learn to Write  *  Family  *  Inspirational  *  Helpful  *  Social  *  War  *  Freedom  *  Money

And then, we have these essays in the GENERAL ESSAYS category 
which don't seem to fit anywhere in particular:

That first day of school  

Moonbeams are the original fuzzy kind of logic. If you've ever seen a tree turn into a gnome, or remember your first kiss upon the sweet silver grass, you won't want to miss this nostalgic essay of a way of life that maybe only seemed to be.

Friendship, by Ralph Waldo Emerson.  A ruddy drop of manly blood The surging sea outweighs, The world uncertain comes and goes, The lover rooted stays. I fancied he was fled, And, after many a year, Glowed unexhausted kindliness Like daily sunrise there. My careful heart was free again, -- O friend, my bosom said, Through thee alone the sky is arched, Through thee the rose is red, All things through thee take nobler form, And look beyond the earth, And is the mill-round of our fate A sun-path in thy worth. Me too thy nobleness has taught To master my despair; The fountains of my hidden life Are through thy friendship fair.

A Break From Boredom  --  by Lance Nalley

This Web is MY Web  

The Moon on Six Pence Uncle Bob was an unforgettable character who traveled the world on bargain rates and golden smiles!

The Almost Good Housekeeping monograph is a good excuse for the harried homemaker to put off until tomorrow all those burdens of yesteryear, and quit trying so hard.

Sex before the Sax:  The first thing I learned about Lois was she had a label for being froward.  Kids at school said she had had sex with Alfred.  Not long after I arrived, another boy came forward to admit he had made a score at her door.

God Does Not Fit  -- by Lance Nalley

We want MORE Essays.  The writing inside the essays accepted here must be of superior quality.  The topics must be either timely or enduring in nature.  If you can pass that hurdle, your tightly written essays with strong values will be published here free of charge.  A link back to your home page, or to your email address will be provided inside your byline, IF you want it.  Click HERE to make your submission. 

Click HERE for our latest news.

Click HERE if you would like to work from home.  
And there's MORE to this site than meets the eye.