Callouses are tools in the hands of a gracious God.

Painful. Healthy. Sensitive for a time. Strong protection if maintained.

Awful until they're built up, they're very useful and worth building. Thick calluses allow guitar players to focus on improving sound and technique. Calluses protect the hands of farmers, builders, and artisans – dabblers and experts alike. 

So, callused hands are good but calloused hearts are bad? Well, no. Call it semantics if you want. I propose that callouses are good. It's the infections you've got to watch out for (ex: bitterness).

When life’s cuts and bruises cause me to run to God, He bandages me up, checks for infections, corrects faulty thinking, and gets me ready for the next task. Why? So I can better love and serve those around me. With thicker callouses, I'm more free and better equipped for whatever today brings. 

I cherish these calluses, on my hands and my heart; they’re tools in the hands of a gracious God.

Abba God, thank You for calluses. Even though they hurt, I know they are a gift of protection. Thank You for walking me through hurts and making me stronger in Christ Jesus, enabling me to love others without fear and without enabling unhealthy behavior. Protect me from evil, and when I face temptations, give me the audacity to RUN without looking back. Thank You for loving me as I am. How amazing that YOU want to be with me even when I’m not the best of company. Wow. I love You, Abba. In Jesus' name and for your glory I pray...