The Inspiration for the Name of this Blog

This song, by Steven Curtis Chapman, continues to speak volumes to me. Please read the lyrics to this song with an open heart. : ]


Be My Magnificent Obsession


Lord, You know how much
I want to know so much
In the way of answers and explanations
I have cried and prayed
And still I seem to stay
In the middle of life’s complications
All this pursuing leaves me feeling like I’m chasing down the wind
But now it’s brought me back to You
And I can see again

This is everything I want
This is everything I need
I want this to be my one consuming passion
Everything my heart desires
Lord, I want it all to be for You, Jesus
Be my magnificent obsession

So capture my heart again
Take me to depths I’ve never been
Into the riches of Your grace and Your mercy
Return me to the cross
And let me be completely lost
In the wonder of the love
That You’ve shown me
Cut through these chains that tie me down to so many lesser things
Let all my dreams fall to the ground
Until this one remains

You are everything I want
You are everything I need
I want You to be my one consuming passion
Everything my heart desires
Lord, I want it all to be for You
I want it all to be for You

You are everything I want
And You are everything I need
Lord, You are all my heart desires
You are everything to me

Hands

Isn't it curious that through all of these times, a comfort has sustained my every desire? The presence of this comfort has calmed me through my every move.

My mind strives to understand what brings this comfort and strength, this weight that protects and assures me. And as I'm thinking, my eyes sweep the world around me and land focused on my folded hands in my lap. My mind changes gears and focuses on my hands.

The hands I have used to protect myself.
The fingers that have stroked the ivory keys on a piano.
The fingers that have plucked the strings on the guitar.
The fingers that grace the keys of my flute.
The hands that have dried the tears of those who are dear to me.
The fingers that were once entwined with those of an orphan.
The hands that raise high to praise their Creator.

And then my eyes fill with tears, and I realize what the weight that protects, assures, and comforts me is. It is another pair of hands.

The hands that reached down to pull me out of the pit.
The hands that served as a shield when I was ridiculed.
The hands that wipe all of my tears away.
The hands that pull me up onto His lap and hold me.
The hands that bring me comfort, security, and peace.
The hands that will hold mine forever and always.
The hands that will hold my heart for all of eternity.
The hands that are nail-scarred.

Those beautiful, nail-scarred hands.