Thankful For This Body

Today at work I was pondering what I was going to post for today's Form Friday, my blog post day dedicated to physical health. Work had slowed down and so did my mind. I figured hey, why not change my screen backgrounds? I figured it will help me feel productive, organized and it will give my eyes a break from the monotony.

As I was going through different designs, it stuck me-I could see! I had functional eyes to see the screen in front of me, hands able to type on a keyboard and a spine to keep me up straight in my chair! (Although, I did start slouching at this point-ha ha!) In that moment I realized how grateful I should be to be able bodied.

How much do we take our bodies for granted on a daily basis? For example, our ability to drive a car, to go to sleep at night and rest, or to even breathe?! We have gotten use to these things because they seem consistent/secure...until they're not.

Photo by Kindel Media from Pexels.

I remember vividly the pain and struggle I went through when I sprained my ankle two years ago. Simple tasks became daunting obstacles. To get ready for school I would have to crawl up and down the stairs from my bedroom. Then on campus I had to push myself through long stretches of sidewalk between classes. The smallest of cracks/uneven pavement became mountains for me. It was an exhausting and frustrating time. Especially since I would do these things without problem before the incident.

Jesus says in Corinthians 6:19-20, "Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.”

In this context, Jesus was warning against sexual sin but I believe it can also be applied as a wake up call to take care of ourselves since our bodies are sacred. I think that one way we can start that process is by being grateful of the body God has given us.

I know in life that we might suffer physically from circumstances (such as my sprained ankle) or with more permanent disabilities (like being wheelchair bound). However, we can take comfort knowing that Jesus, blameless and perfect, knew the pain of being human. From birth to the cross He experienced growing pains, weariness and physical harm. He can empathize with our struggles.

If you are able bodied glorify God by nurturing the blessing He has given you. Pray in the situations when you are struggling physically because He is compassionate and faithful to listen. Remember, you can ask God to help you be thankful IN all circumstances (you do NOT have to be thankful FOR all circumstances!).

God bless and Godspeed!