I have been unbelievably blessed with good health AND had awful experiences. This summer a friend asked me why I won’t consider Lasik surgery. After some of the medical experiences I’ve had in China, I CANNOT participate in one where I am awake during the procedure and smell my eye flesh burning.
To quote a two-year-old, “Cannot.”
Ignorance may be bliss and experience one helluva teacher. Sorry, surgery without anesthetic on my behind (and this happened more than once) was hell and I have no desire to go back. Contacts and glasses it will be for me.
But I can see! And the corneas on my eyes are regenerated after having holes eaten in them by the pollution in Beijing. The body’s ability to recreate cells, heal from infection, build stronger bones after a break, and respond to treatment is amazing. Pause for a moment and with me reflect on all of the ways our bodies are walking miracles. Though they bear the signs of brokenness, sin, disease and decay, they also bear signs of restoration, function, health, and improving.
Though medicine may be needed, much good can come from rest, exercise and nutritious food. The body truly is spectacular. This is part of why I LOVE The Biggest Loser. Talk about watching God at work!
Here in Eden Lost, we have unhealthy bodies, thoughts, responses, and relationships. We hurt. Our bodies ache. Our relationships can repeat over and over unhelpful routines. Our responses create distance and distrust. We will all taste death.
But this is not the final chapter.
When we have returned to Eden and we live as we were meant to live! We will know nothing of pain, of cancer, of glasses and canes, of lying over purchases or driving drunk or lust in our hearts.
We will be healthy in the most holistic sense. My mind can list all of the areas where we will know health. My soul tries to keep up with my mind, knowing that the list is true, but not able to grasp how wonderful it will be to be healthy (as my wrists hurt typing this, my neck creaks a bit, and my eyes are awaiting an updated prescription).
The day will come when my soul won’t have to grasp because my whole being and your whole being will simply be …healthy.
All the posts in the series will be added to this page each day of October. If you would like to receive these reminders in your email inbox, it’s easy! You can subscribe now by entering your email where it says “Jump into the Mess!” Hard to believe we are near end of our reminders! Amy
Remember:Love, satisfaction, extravagance, freedom, belonging, recreation, truth, trust, purity, submission and power, unity, kindness, blameless, with abandon, acceptance, celebration, faith, generosity, joy, purpose, empathy, rhythms, hope, elation, esteem, healthy. (Yup, still have the formatting problem :))
It will be wonderful, that new glorified body!
Amen, sister!
I can hardly wait until what I grasp for daily will be firmly in my grasp! No sin-sickness just perfect uninterrupted fellowship.
I’m with you, Kristi!
Love the thought of no more heart breaks and broken promises where we are all Beautifullied!!!!
AMEN!!
Amy, have you heard the song by Building 429 called “Where I belong”? Oh yeah, whether they know it or not, they’re writing about someday living in Eden Regained! It’s my latest most favorite song. (Have I already told you this?) Here’s the chorus:
All I know is I’m not home yet
This is not where I belong
Take this world and give me Jesus
This is not where I belong
Today, as I have numerous aches that belong to Eden Lost, I definitely need – and appreciate! – the reminder that this is not all there is! Amen!