There’s a story about a little boy named Billy. Every day on the walk to school, Billy’s grandfather would stop at the neighborhood store for a newspaper and cup of coffee. As Grandpa approached the register, Billy would point to large bins filled with candies, gum and other treats displayed. Each morning, Grandpa denied Billy’s request. After several weeks of watching Billy being denied, the cashier grew a heart of compassion toward Billy. This morning would be his lucky day. When Grandpa and Billy approached the register, the cashier said, “Good morning Billy, today you can reach in and get the candies you desire at no cost.” Billy smiled with joy; his persistence had finally paid off. He went to pull out a candy, but snatched his hand back abruptly. He then grabbed Grandpa’s hand and shoved it into the large bin of confectionaries. Grandpa, in a fright, pulled out a fist filled with assorted sweets.

Billy giggled with glee. As they continued the walk to school, Grandpa asked, “Billy, why didn’t you pick out your candies? This was what you asked for every day.” Billy looked up to Grandpa with the sun glistening in his eye, “Yes, Grandpa, but your hands are much bigger than mine. My hands are too small to get all the candies I wanted.” Grandpa laughed at Billy’s wisdom.

There are times in life that, as believers, we should embrace Billy’s kind of wisdom. God’s hands are much bigger, more capable and able to provide us with everything we need. Our hands, our thoughts and our understanding are limited in comparison to God’s vast knowledge and powerful hands.

It is my hope that this Thanksgiving we will all recognize the wonderful, mighty, capable hands of God, and celebrate all the many blessings we enjoy in our lives. Remember, it doesn’t matter how bad things seem to be, how much you are struggling, or what turmoil you find yourself in; you can always find God blessing your life, if you will just look for it. Today, may we each recline in the righteous, glorious, great big hands of God!

Tim Beck is pastor of Kenbridge United Methodist Church. His email address is revtimbeck@ gmail.com.