This new year will be a new year for my body. Duh. Now matter what age I am, I will be experiencing something new this year that I never have before.
Those lucky few who keep themselves in impeccable shape may only notice subtle, incremental changes; perhaps even advances.
But for most of us, we begin to “feel our age” or notice we are “not as young as we used to be.”
Spiritually, I must ask myself, “God, what are you saying about the upcoming year through my body’s changes, aches and pains or even specific conditions that are on the newer side?”
We know we are tripartite beings. If a Christian, there is the belief that we are made up of a body, soul and spirit. Our bodies are seen, our soul and mind can be witnessed through thought and the spirit is felt as the connection between us and God and the sense of eternity.
Even for supposedly spiritual reasons, neglecting the body can lead to serious problems as St. Francis found. But neglecting any part of our three parts can cause us to be out of balance.
New Year’s goals always seem to include something about a body. If done for stewardship, a gym membership or daily walk is right on. If to pick a fight with aging, not so much.
So how is the post-Garden of Eden design of aging being used by God in my life this new year?
Honestly, would my thoughts toward God and eternity be duller without that new awareness of some body part that I formerly never felt?
PORTAL TO HEAVEN: Our bodies are a great portal in that they give us constant reminders about our mortality which nudges us toward a greater awareness of sanctification. It’s the kindest of deadlines and a new year is a particularly good time to look much further ahead than the next 365 days.
just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love…For bodily exercise profits a little, but godliness is profitable for all things, having promise of the life that now is and of that which is to come…Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day.
Ephesians 1:4 NKJV, 1 TImothy 4:8 NKJV, 2 Corinthians 4:16 NIV