Body strength

Our bodies are amazing creations. God has created us to be able to do amazing things, even when we are damaged. Our bodies are made in such a way as to heal and recover. Most of that is down to the design and how everything works together. It is often important that we allow our bodies the time to recover. 

I have been acutely aware of this in the past year and most recently due to a strain of a muscle and, just last week, a hernia operation. Physical therapy and stretching did wonders for the muscle. Doctors using laparoscopic surgery took care of the other. This week I am taking it easy and recovering, but our bodies are amazingly well designed.

The past few months have also been difficult in other ways. We learned that our nephew, a new father of one and soon-to-be-father of a second, passed away at the age of 26. And we hurt for his wife, his brothers and especially for his father and mother (Scott’s brother and sister-in-law). We had not been able to visit with them when we were in Indianapolis. 

Less than a month later we received news that Shirley’s brother unexpectedly passed away. We had seen him on our visit to the States and enjoyed being able to spend time together. The news of his passing hit hard. It felt like a blow to the stomach for Shirley. Her family (she comes from a family of 8 kids) has been reduced to just three. 

Last week we received a call from Scott’s youngest brother that his brother, Marc had passed away. We were able to follow the memorial service held in Colorado Springs yesterday evening. We had also missed seeing Marc on our visit to Colorado while we were in the States earlier this year. His passing seems a bit surreal. 

It is at times like this that we are thankful that God has designed the body so well. We are not made to be alone, to work alone. We are made to depend on one another, to help in the recovery and healing of one another. One part cannot work without the others. That is how the body of Christ, the church, is designed and truly works. We are so very thankful for family and spiritual family. 

Paul’s first letter to the Corinthians talks about this body and how we are dependent on each other (1 Cor. 12:12-26). Thank you for being there as part of this body. Praise God for His design and His amazing love, in times of distress and in times of joy.