“You have kept count of my tossings;
put my tears in your bottle.
Are they not in your record?” -Psalm 56:8
Our bodies have often been seen as something separate from our true selves or our spiritual being. But, in fact, we are created with bodies by God. And our bodies, instead of being separate from, often actually manifest what is happening in our spirit. We have butterflies in our stomach when we are nervous. Sometimes people experience loss of sleep or rashes when they are under stress. Others have heartburn that disappears with a job change. Our bodies speak to us about our spiritual well being.
Our bodies speak to us everyday. When I am hungry, or tired, or long to stretch my legs I am hearing my body speak. Acknowledging our physical needs and caring for them, also helps us become attuned to our spirits – our souls. Our bodies give us messages about our spiritual well-being. Recognizing that I am thirsty and then getting a drink, can lead me to recognize when my shoulders are tense. Recognizing that my body is holding tension can remind me to take a break from a stressful situation. Or perhaps that I am nervous and would benefit from a deep breath.
Living incarnate is a beautiful gift from God. Learning to listen thoughtfully to the messages from our God-created human form can help us become more aware of our whole being. Listening to our spirit and recognizing our humanity can draw us closer to God.
Creator God, Help me to listen with an open spirit to the beautiful body you have given me. I want to hear Your Spirit speaking to me in all the ways you have provided for me to hear.
AMEN
Some Comfort and Joy was developed as a devotional resource that follows the rhythms and seasons of the liturgical year from an Anabaptist-Mennonite perspective.
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