His Masterpiece

For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago. Ephesians 2:10

At the Grief Share meeting last week, the topic was self-care. It’s so easy to set aside our own health and needs when we are taking care of a loved one. It is also easy to set them aside when we get too busy with the daily demands of our lives. It was a lesson meant to remind us that we are God’s Masterpiece and that we need to take time to take care of the bodies that He has given us. They are a gift.

Each of us was given the exact body that we would need to accomplish all that God had planned for us before the creation of the world. When you look around there are so many different sizes, shapes, colors and so much more, each perfectly designed the way God intended.

Our purpose doesn’t change even though our bodies do. It isn’t a surprise to God that our bodies are aging and changing. But we were given these bodies and entrusted with the stewardship of them. I’ve seen people with diseased bodies who never cease bringing glory to God through their attitudes and praises amid their suffering. You don’t have to be physically fit or healthy to serve God.

I remember watching my son Brock play for hours in the backyard in the sandpit when his health would allow him to. He was always so excited and grateful to be outside running around and playing. At times I find myself choosing to sit in front of the TV for hours, mindlessly watching nothing of importance, and then think of what a waste that is. I have to ask myself, “What am I doing with the masterpiece that God gave me?”

Taking care of ourselves is not only physical but emotional and spiritual as well. What are we filling our minds with? What are we dwelling on? What have we done today that will encourage our spirit? How are we taking care of the “Masterpiece” we have been gifted with?