Once on a trip to Rome I found myself looking up at the ceiling in the Sistine Chapel.
Now, I’m probably not the most cultured person and I must confess that when I’m on holiday, looking at art isn’t usually that high on my list of things to do.
But Michelangelo’s paintings on the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel are quite something to behold.
A central part of this painting are his depictions of Adam and God.
It has been said that the painting shows the figure of God as being ‘extended toward the man with great vigour.’ His arm is outstretched; trying to make a connection with the man.
But Adam is a little less vigorous. He’s kind of reclining back. Maybe he doesn’t realise how close he is to making that connection.
All he has to do is lift a finger.
Sometimes we can have life stuff going on that’s troubling us.
It could be weighing us down.
And it might feel like we’re on our own; that we can’t lighten the load.
But talking about stuff to a trained professional can be the first step to lightening the load and beginning to move forward.
A focused-in picture of Adam and God’s hands now hangs on the wall in my office - as a reminder that I want to offer a hand to anyone who might need it.
Whether some challenging life situations have come your way; or you don’t know what’s wrong but you just know something isn’t right; or you want to focus on your personal or professional development - Palms can help.
Remember, even if we feel isolated and alone, someone may well be holding out a hand to help us.
Sometimes all we need to do to make connection is lift a finger.