“I praise You for I am fearfully and wonderfully made…” – Psalm 139:14, NIV
Show of hands … how many reading this feel “fearfully and wonderfully made” today? Thought so. You can include me in that most days! I would like to explore some ways in which most of us can truly believe that we are part of that sentiment.
To review some of my comments regarding the recent Olympic athletes’ remarkable feats, it is amazing what the human body can do and will do if we just give it a chance.
Case in point as I write this: the Paralympics are in full swing, and WOW, these athletes can certainly work within their challenges to find the place of success and fulfillment most of us can only imagine. It is exhilarating to watch them work despite their physical challenges to show us what we are ALL “fearfully and wonderfully made” regardless of what our bodies and society’s expectations tell us.
Let’s time travel here just a bit and review what we – and others – expect from us as we go through the various stages and ages of this life.
As children we are fearless and open about trying new things and enjoying life. The doubts can begin to surface as we go through puberty and begin what is often a life-long odyssey of comparing ourselves to others. Personally, I did not feel so “wonderful” in glasses and braces! Breakouts and hormones – mercy!
As we move into adulthood, we have an opportunity to seriously appraise our health, appearance, and physical stamina. Unless you are challenged with a chronic disease or a specific disability, you have many options in how you wish to move forward, and many times those who face disease and disability are more active and fulfilled than those who do not face those issues.
In evaluating how these amazing bodies of ours can work for us, let’s begin not at the top but at the bottom – our feet and ankles. When you think about how hard they must work to keep us upright it is pretty amazing. Taking time to keep our tootsies dry and free from bacteria and our ankles flexible and strong will help us with our balance and stamina.
Moving on up … how about those knees? Yikes! One of the biggest mistakes I see for folks is when they stand with their knees hyper-extended back. Not only does this strain the muscles around the knees but also strains the lower back. Be sure to bend those knees!
Ah yes … those pesky back muscles; usually the lower back which is easily strained when one 1) lifts objects too heavy and/or 2) does not bend properly. Use a squat position instead of bending forward from the waist. Our shoulders tighten up when we tend to carry stress and squeeze them upward and combining that with constant phone/computer surveillance only exacerbates the matter. Drop those shoulders down!
We are a mechanical masterpiece, “fearfully and wonderfully made” even when these joints and ligaments do not cooperate fully. The science of exactly how our important internal functions are set in place is a miracle, indeed. Our hearts pump an average of 60 to 100 beats per minute, our livers and kidneys detoxify and cleanse, our digestive processes use our nutrition to keep us going, and the remarkable brains of ours are gifts beyond compare. Aren’t we something?!
Although the quote used above is from Biblical text, you may choose to meditate, journal, or otherwise consider and remember that we are far more than what we may glimpse in the mirror or even feel on any particular day.
We are unique and complex. We are works of art, we are amazing “machines” and we are “fearfully and wonderfully made” dear readers!
Sharon McMahon, CNWC
The opinions expressed in this article are not intended to replace advice of your personal physician or licensed health professional. Please consult your physician for any issues you may have related to nutrition or fitness activity.