By Linda Grupp Boutin
Southern California has experienced a severe heat wave this week. Many have been shocked by the toll 105+ degree heat takes on their health. Indeed most of us tend to take our health for granted never considering the myriad items our bodies cope with every single day. In today's post I want to take the time to celebrate the marvelous workings we are blissfully unaware of every day of our lives.
How often do you consider your heart beating? We understand intuitively the importance of the continued work our heart does, but when was the last time you gave thanks for the organ that circulates night and day, awake and asleep, sending oxygen and nutrients to the most far-flung parts of you.
The heart is one thing, but how about the largest organ of the body? Do you even know what that is? I'm betting you give it little thought, but to a burn patient each piece of healed skin eases pain and decreases the risk of infection. It is the barrier that keeps you separate from all that surrounds you, good and bad. A primary function on a hot day is to keep you cool when your body knows to sweat so that the fluid evaporates cooling you down. If you stop sweating, then you know you'd better put a stop to your fun in the sun because with no perspiration you will quickly overheat to the point of danger. The body signals this to you by getting dizzy, nauseous, and you just don't feel well.
Then there are the lungs and respiratory system. Everything from the nostrils throughout the system work together to protect you and provide the oxygen fueling the systems of your self. And don't forget about the kidneys, thyroid, liver, not to mention the brain. All contribute vital functions that keep you feeling like you and ready to put your muscles to work to accomplish everything you do from typing to painting the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel.
So don't take all this for granted, but celebrate all the things your body and its organs allow you to do. Take a moment to thank the Creator for setting this very sophisticated system up and giving you one that works just about right most all the time. Without this gift, where would you be...
It feels like it has been a long time since I did any typing or writing at all, let alone painted any ceilings, Sistine or otherwise. But I whole heartedly agree with you - God did a wonderful job of making us all. Yet it seems all we ever do is complain when things go wrong. Even a hangnail can ruin a whole day!I pray we can learn to be grateful stewards of what he has given.
ReplyDeleteIt is interesting that those of us with the occasional health challenge seem to appreciate the wondrous working of our body's just that little bit more. Might have something to do with taking care of the temple we are entrusted with at birth. Thanks for the comment Doug!
DeleteI know because of your health issues, you are more sensitive to all your working parts and I appreciate the reminder that we should never take this amazing human anatomy for granted. God formed us from dust in His image and we are His temple. I shall celebrate God by appreciating the life He gives me, physically as we'll as spiritually. High 5! Your hand to mine!
ReplyDeleteThanks Coleene, you are correct about appreciating it more when I find myself challenged. Thanking God for every breath.
DeleteThanks for re-posting this Linda as I missed it the first time around. I think it is human nature to take for granted our health and other blessings God entrust us with like: family, friends, careers, finances, houses, cars, a loving church family, etc. Wouldn't it be nice if we could really appreciate our good health and these other blessings before they get chipped/broken or lost. A good goal to strive for. I appreciate this post and I appreciate your friendship. :)
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