This is one of those truths that has been repeated by men of wisdom (Confucius) and fictional movie characters (Buckaroo Banzai). This is also one of those enduring truths that we often try to escape, to deny that it applies. “If only I could move to…,” or “If only I had that job….” Yes, we would still be who we are, only in a different setting.
Health can be a great example of this. One instructor told the story of a patient who came to him saying, I am in great shape, Doc, except for this cancer.” He seems to be saying, “If only I did not have this cancer, I would be well.”
We want that illusion, that except for this one little thing, everything would be OK. The man with the cancer is not asking, “Why did I get the cancer, why me?”
Was it the chemicalized processed food?
Was it the polluted air (indoors and outdoors)?
Was it the toxic thinking: the fear, anxiety, stress, anger, etc.?
Was it the negative words about self that seem to recur again and again?
Or was it other aspects of our lifestyle, the day to day poor choices that we are offered and then take as if they had no effect?
We are led to believe that our bodies are inherently defective machines constantly doing the wrong thing. Actually, our bodies are fearfully and wonderfully made (Ps 139:14), responding as best they can to the compromised environment of this world.
That same instructor asked the class, “How is it living with your body?” And we thought about the aches and pains, or the weight, or the skin issues, or a hundred other things.
Then he asked, “How is it for your body to live with you?” Ouch! That stung.
Each of us is where he is, with regards to health and with regards to everything else. We need to decide where we want to be and what is our vision of the good life, health included. Then we need to chart a course.
Picture yourself at the starting point of a treasure map. There is a place you want to be, and there are many distractions in between. How do you get there?
This is your journey. You do not have control of what others may do – to us, or to our air, or to our food and water, or to the other needs in our lives. Our only power is the power to choose, to navigate among the poor choices offered and to do the best we are able.
Health can be a great example of this. One instructor told the story of a patient who came to him saying, I am in great shape, Doc, except for this cancer.” He seems to be saying, “If only I did not have this cancer, I would be well.”
We want that illusion, that except for this one little thing, everything would be OK. The man with the cancer is not asking, “Why did I get the cancer, why me?”
Was it the chemicalized processed food?
Was it the polluted air (indoors and outdoors)?
Was it the toxic thinking: the fear, anxiety, stress, anger, etc.?
Was it the negative words about self that seem to recur again and again?
Or was it other aspects of our lifestyle, the day to day poor choices that we are offered and then take as if they had no effect?
We are led to believe that our bodies are inherently defective machines constantly doing the wrong thing. Actually, our bodies are fearfully and wonderfully made (Ps 139:14), responding as best they can to the compromised environment of this world.
That same instructor asked the class, “How is it living with your body?” And we thought about the aches and pains, or the weight, or the skin issues, or a hundred other things.
Then he asked, “How is it for your body to live with you?” Ouch! That stung.
Each of us is where he is, with regards to health and with regards to everything else. We need to decide where we want to be and what is our vision of the good life, health included. Then we need to chart a course.
Picture yourself at the starting point of a treasure map. There is a place you want to be, and there are many distractions in between. How do you get there?
- You really are at the big red X, whether you want to be there or not.
- The goal, the other big red X, is somewhere in the maze on the map.
- And between start and the finish line there are too many distractions to count.
- You chart a course, negotiating the rocks that wreck your ship on one side and the whirlpools that will suck you under on the other side.
This is your journey. You do not have control of what others may do – to us, or to our air, or to our food and water, or to the other needs in our lives. Our only power is the power to choose, to navigate among the poor choices offered and to do the best we are able.
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