Seven Things

Seven Things I Do Not Like About My Body ~ Seven Things I Do Like About My Body

This is an assignment given in the book I'm reading, Spiritual Path to Weight Loss by Gregory L. Jantz, Ph.D.  To be honest, I've been avoiding it. I really don't *want* to list these things out. I'm pretty sure that tells me that I should be doing it.

Before I make my lists, (yep, I'm stalling) I'm adding in some quotes.

"Learn to thank God for your body...God gave you a magnificent body, and you should thank Him for it." (p. 41)

"Take a good long look at your body and think about what it can do. You can talk, walk, eat, drink, love, think, sing, dance, and worship God. That's a lot...
    The Bible tells us to give 'thanks to God the Father at all times and for everything in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ' (Ephesians 5:20). 'All things' includes that nose you don't like and those hips that won't be squeezed into a smaller pants size. It's only when you like your body that you can be good to your body. And when that happens, you'll open yourself up for a whole new adventure: becoming the person God wants you to be." (p. 44)

So, here goes....

Seven Things I Do Not Like About My Body
I don't like my...nose...because it's too pointy
I don't like my...tummy bulge...because it's always been there, pooching out
I don't like my...back rolls...because they are gross and I still remember the day I realized they were there. I had finally arrived at...well, the place I never wanted to be.
I don't like my...hips...because they have these awful side buldges
I don't like my...breasts...because they are too large and cumbersome
I don't like my...eyes...because they always look tired, with dark circles
I don't like my...thighs...because they've always touched
I don't like my...eyelashes....ooops! Only Seven. ;-)

Here's the hard part...."Whatever you wrote above, read it aloud and, after each, say 'So what! Big deal! I was made in the image of God!' Who can argue with that? Not even you can. The more you focus on the individual blemishes on your body, the more you distort your body as a whole."

Okay, I did it. (no, I'm not including an audio clip. :-P)

Seven Things I Like About My Body
I like my...hair...because it's getting thicker as I grow older, and I love my gray hairs coming in!
I like my...lips...because they are nicely shaped and enable me to smooch on my sweeties
I like my...eye color...because I've always received compliments, they connect me to my father's side of my family, and I share that color with 3 of my children.
I like my...hands...because they are small and petite looking, but are busy and strong
I like my...nails...because they look like a french manicure when they grow long, I can give great a great back scratch, and everyone asks for my help when they need "long nails"
I like my...wrists...because they are small and make me feel feminine
I like my...ears...because they don't stand out

"How do you feel when you take time to be grateful for what God has given you --perfect or not? Do you appreciate what you have?"

I hated writing out the first list. It was embarrassing and humiliating. I'm shamed that I think so poorly of who I am and that I've not cared better for the body the Lord created for me. I'm saddened that my dislike for my physical body affects so many areas of my life. (and has for so long)

I enjoyed writing out the second list. It was a relief to think of positive things after writing out that first list. I wanted to be thankful for the person God created in me. I wanted to think about the beauty God created when he made me. I want to appreciate the body God has given me. I want to like me. Even the things that aren't perfect and need to change.

Those dark eyes, they come from sleepless nights snuggling babies. My pointy nose looks just like my aunt's, a beautiful, strong woman. My droopy breasts, they've given nourishment and comfort to seven amazing children. Every part of me, even the parts that have become flabby and worn, they are all serving a purpose in the journey the Lord has for me.

I will thank you for who I am today, Lord. Not just what I am striving to be. I will learn to like my body because you made it just for me. I will learn to care for it well, because you made it just for me. I will stop thinking and speaking poorly of this beautiful creation I wear each day. Thank you, Lord.

 "For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place. When I was woven together in the depths of the earth, your eyes saw my unformed body. All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be. How precious to me are your thoughts, O God! How vast is the sum of them! Were I to count them, they would outnumber the grains of sand. When I awake, I am still with you." Psalm 139:13-18

 ^"But now, O LORD, you are our Father; we are the clay, and you are our potter; we are all the work of your hand."  Isaiah 64:8

"And whenever the living creatures give glory and honor and thanks to him who is seated on the throne, who lives forever and ever, the twenty-four elders fall down before him who is seated on the throne and worship him who lives forever and ever. They cast their crowns before the throne, saying, "Worthy are you, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they existed and were created." Revelations 4: 9-11