This little piggy took some ibuprofen

"many members, yet one body"

2 Corinthians 12:20

Okay, it's been one week since I broke my toe.  And I know it's just a broken toe ~ of which I've had more than my share ~ but it's possibly the most thorough job I've ever done.  The bruise extends halfway down my foot (toward my ankle) and most of the way across my foot.  I've been wearing my hubby's slippers, which are so comfortable.  They don't hug my foot the way mine do, so my toe is not as squished.  And yet they're soft and flexible.

I know; it's just a toe.  But my toe is on my foot.  And my foot does a lot for me.  It holds me up when I stand.  It bears half the load when I walk.  And it takes on extra duty when I have to carry something, like a bag of groceries or a laundry basket.

And my toes, small though they are, are hard-working and loyal.  They help me keep my balance.  They help me reach things that are slightly too high for me.   And they help me determine how cold the water in the pool is.

And because I have a toe (and a little bit the toe next to it) out of commission, I'm feeling it everywhere.  I've been limping a little bit, and I'm starting to feel it in my knee and hip; that crooked, gimpy gait throws everything else off, ya know?

So I'm reminded today about the importance of each part of our anatomy.  How they each are designed to do their part in the functioning of our amazing bodies.  And how it affects the body as a whole when something is off. 

Paul makes a great point about this in 2 Corinthians 12.  "The eye cannot say to the hand, 'I have no need of you'; nor again the head to the feet, 'I have no need of you.'  No, much rather, those members of the body which seem to be weaker are necessary."

And by the same token, we of the body of Christ are appointed by Him, each in our own way, for what we bring to His work here on earth.  It's knowledge that both encourages and reminds me that I am valuable.  You and I are each like no one else, and He has created us to be who we are individually, for who we all are, together.

~ "There are diversities of gifts, 

but the same Spirit. 

There are differences of ministries,

but the same Lord. 

And there are diversities of activities,

but it is the same God who works all in all." ~

2 Corinthians 12:4-6

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