Sunday, June 28th. Today's cherished Nugget from guest blogger Pastor Bill.





For years people have admired the art masterpiece known as The Praying Hands. Behind this work of art is a fascinating story of love and sacrifice.

In the late fifteenth century, two struggling young art students, Albrecht Durer and Franz Knigstein, worked as laborers to earn money for their art studies. But the work was long and hard and it left them little time to study art. Finally, they agreed to draw lots and let the loser support them both while the winner continued to study.

Albrecht won, but he agreed to support Franz after achieving success so his friend could finish his studies. After becoming successful, Albrecht sought out Franz to keep his bargain; however, he soon discovered the enormous sacrifice his friend had made.

As Franz had worked at hard labor, his fingers had become twisted and stiff. His long, slender fingers and sensitive hands had been ruined for life. He could no longer manage the delicate brush strokes so necessary for executing fine paintings.
In spite of the price he had paid, Franz was not bitter. He was happy that his friend Albrecht had attained success.

One day Albrecht saw his loyal friend kneeling, his rough hands entwined in silent prayer. Albrecht quickly sketched the hands, later using the rough sketch to create his masterpiece known as The Praying Hands.

This story causes me to wonder about all those who may have sacrificed so we can be where we are today.

Have we taken every opportunity to thank those who made it possible for us to be where we are both physically and spiritually? A good way to remember those who have gone on is to help someone else. The Apostle Paul, the writer of the letter to the Galatians, reminds us to

“Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.”
(Galatians 6:2)

"God, thank You for allowing me to become a child of Yours. Thank You for my parents, Sunday school teachers, pastors, and others who prayed for me and shared with me that I might come to know You in a personal way. Amen."