The Body Is Made Up of Many Parts

My Journal - Agatha Nolen

In 1 Corinthians 12, Paul talks about the body as a unit being made up of many parts and that God has arranged them all just the way God wanted them (18). Paul goes on to say, “those parts of the body that seem weaker are indispensable (22).

I was glad to re-read these verses this week for reassurance that all God has made is important and all works together to serve God.

In March I fell in some water at the house and broke my right kneecap resulting in surgery in April. I’ve been in a knee immobilizer for 4 weeks and just started 6 weeks of physical therapy yesterday. We are all predicting and praying for a complete recovery with a return to walking and playing golf in the future.

But for now, it seems I’m on somewhat of an extended rest. No driving and limited walking to reduce the swelling and help the healing. I’m a good patient, but this is certainly not what I’d planned for in retirement! This was the summer for Divinity School (I’m on medical leave), my post-retirement reward of a Holy Land cruise with an old friend (cancelled), and medical leave from my golf club.

Although not specifically called out by Paul like hands, eyes, ears, a nose, and feet, I’ve come to appreciate how important two working and healthy knees are!

I’ve also have realized just how much “busyness” I had planned post-pandemic. My God has slowed me down to a crawl and for that I am thankful. I have the luxury of reading good books and keeping up with my friends via calls, emails or texts. I have wonderful friends from church that have fed me and shuttled me to doctor’s appointments, and friends from afar sent comforting gifts and texts/calls to remind me of our friendships. I’ve slowed down enough to appreciate those kindnesses more than all the other “activities” I had planned.

I am also learning that everything doesn’t have to happen “right now”. Hopefully school will resume in the Fall, golf will restart at some point in the future and there will always be another cruise or vacation to take with my friend.

I know Paul was talking about how each of us has different spiritual gifts and that no one contributes more or less to furthering the kingdom of God. But on a practical standpoint, I’m glad he used our physical bodies for the metaphor. We need to take care of our bodies as well so that we can use our spiritual gifts to the fullest.

Blessings, my friend,

Agatha