If one part of our body
hurts, we hurt all over. – 1 Corinthians
12:26
Garbage in,
garbage out. Whether we’re talking about what you feed your stomach, or what
you feed your mind, I think we can all painfully agree that what goes in dictates what comes out. There’s no denying it: you plant a
pumpkin seed, you’re going to get a pumpkin and not a rose bush!
The 1
Corinthians verse reminds us that we are connected in more ways than one. We
are not only physical beings, but also mental, emotional, spiritual, relational
beings. If we neglect one, the whole of us is somehow hurt or diminished or
left not as strong. When we regularly nurture all aspects of our being, we are
healthy, strong, happy and able. Let me give you an example.
When I eat junk
food all day long, I physically become bloated and uncomfortable and cranky and
sluggish. I don’t feel like being helpful and nice to people. I don’t want to
do anything. Whatever I do do, seems
to take so much energy. I can’t focus on prayer or scripture readings. The
physical garbage affected my spiritual, emotional, and mental capacities.
On the other
hand, when I eat a nutritious meal, and take a walk in the fresh air, and read
a chapter in my bible, and have coffee with a friend (nurturing all aspects of
my being); all these working together make me a better whole person. And when I’m
a better whole person (when every part of my being is honored, cared for and
respected), my whole body is happy and the living in love flows more naturally
and without strain.
Does it
sometimes feel too hard to love God and neighbor? Take a look at your whole
being. What is getting nurtured and what needs a little more honor, respect,
care? It won’t take as much as you think to bring yourself into balance. Be
mindful of your whole being today. Take steps to tweak your daily pattern. Then
love with all your heart, soul, mind and strength.
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