Bless My Soul

Have you ever felt lacking? I think I already know the answer. I know I want to be a little easier on the eye, or a little stronger, a little more athletic and lean. I’ve always wanted pretty skin and while I’m at it, I wish I had more feminine hands. There are things about myself that have taken most of my life to learn to accept, even more to actually be grateful. Because shouldn’t I be grateful. I am the Lords!  

‘But who are you, O man, to talk back to God? Shall what is formed say to him who formed it, ‘Why did you make me like this?’ Does not the potter have the right to make out of the same lump of clay some pottery for noble purposes and some for common use? -Romans 9:20-21

  And when He made any piece of creation, ourselves included, didn’t He say, “Its is good.” He is good. We are lovely because He loves us! And it’s almost always that simple, despite our complicating it.   I finally learned my lesson when I had my little Oakley. I watch her grow and learn and develop. She develops very differently than the norm, or the common. In some ways I’ve defended her because I was being protective. And then I finally realized where I was missing it. Have you ever seen or read The Host? I won’t review it for you, you can think whatever you want about the story as a whole and I won’t be offended. But if I may, I found a beautiful metaphor within it. Dare I say, aliens had taken over the earth. Are you ready for this!? They are tiny, silver, centipede-like creatures and they use the bodies of the planet as their hosts. They are actually, mostly, loving creatures and when they take on a host, they have to learn what their skills, gifts and capabilities are. They are these perfect ‘souls’, limited by the bodies they’re in. This made me see myself and my Oakley and everyone else so differently. It separated the value from the limitations, does that make sense?   My little Oakley, in the eyes of Jesus, is whole. She isn’t lacking, she isn’t behind, she isn’t mentally impaired, she isn’t bound by her syndrome. No! She’s free, and whole and perfect and lovely. Why? Because Jesus is. She is lovely because He loves her. Here on earth she has limitations because of her physical make up. But God is not bound by physical.  

And the dust returns to the earth as it was, and the spirit returns to God who gave it. Ecclesiastes 12:7

  I have hands like a man, which allow me to do a lot of work with them. My arms and legs are strong, which allow me to lift almost anything without much help. I can sing, I can dance, I can hit a baseball and run the bases. I could list what I can’t do, but what I really need to know is, what can I do. What body is my soul in, what are my gifts and strengths. My soul lacks nothing in the eyes of the Lord, my spirit is made complete. This body can be very effective while I’m here on earth if I would take the time to learn what it can do, not complain about what it can’t. Who am I to question the potter?  

Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. -Romans 12:1-2