I had some interesting thoughts tonight that caused my mind to reflect on and appreciate this body I have. The one I've had a love-hate relationship with all my life. It made me sad to think of how I haven't appreciated my body for all it gives to me and how much it serves me even when I'm not treating it as well as I ought to.
I believe as C.S. Lewis said, "You don't have a soul. You are a Soul. You have a body." The most important part of me is what is on the inside. What makes me ME and not somebody else. Why I look the way I do is a mystery only God knows, but for some reason I have the characteristics that I do, the genes, the strengths and weaknesses that are unique to me. I can't control all that goes on in my body. It's not going to live forever. It's finite. Parts will wear out. My eyesight gets worse every year and my ears aren't as sharp and, well, I won't even go on to mention other parts!
I feel a bit sad that I haven't honored my body like I should have at times. It's done so much for me. Most of the time it's done exactly as I've asked it to. It's brought me to countless places to experience new things, healed when sick, lovingly been used to comfort others. It has carried, given birth, nurtured, and taken care of two other human beings. And yet I've often not given it the respect it deserved.
I wonder if God tests people by giving them certain attributes to see how they will use and respond to what they have been given. Great beauty can often be a source of great pride and can be an advantage or a disadvanage depending on how it's used and what path is chosen. How arrogant of some to think they somehow are better than others just because of what shows on the outside. What is more important is what's underneath it all.
I want to treat my body with more respect. Rest when it's tired and give it what it needs to be healthy and function at its best. Not abuse it with too much of this or too little of that. We only get one.
I'm going to remember this every day from now on.....
