Hands...

When I fell in love with Joel there were many things that attracted me to him...witty, caring, active, adventurous, strong faith, very attractive, sensitive, complimentary, great with kids, compassionate, giving, thinks outside of the box, etc.

One of the things I loved the most (and still do), and noticed on our first date is his hands.  I love his hands...so large, strong, rugged, calloused, a little crooked looking, nubby knuckles and just plain manly looking.  I would say it is one of my favorite features of his.  While dating and early in our marriage I would always look at them as we would hold hands or as his hand would be resting on my leg at church.  I was just mesmerized by them (kinda odd, I know!). 

Life has gotten much busier now.  Playing with Parker.  Coaching/attending basketball games.  Exercising. Working.  Keeping up a house.  Being active in our church.  Feeding Parker.  Spending time with family and friends.  Fitting 30 hours of activities into a 24 hour day.  Through all of the craziness I realized I have stopped noticing Joel's hands .   

The other day it hit me when he switched the radio station in the car, and my eyes fell on his hands.  Those hands that were so captivating to me when we fell in love.  I immediately felt a stronger sense of connection and love towards him just by noticing them again.  It's easy after a couple of years to stop noticing the small things that were once big things, but I don't want to stop noticing them...even if it is just hands! 

I need to slow down. 
I need to not let time slip through my fingers unnoticed. 
I need to continue to love Joel like I did when we first started dating.
I need to notice his hands.