A Beautiful Exchange
A Beautiful Exchange
A Beautiful Exchange…
If you REALLY knew me, I am not an aerobics kind of girl, nor very successful at keeping plants alive...
During water aerobics, my friend who was in line behind me, noticed my rhythm was a bit off. At one point, she decided to grab my arms and move them with the right rhythm saying; “I’m just helping her… she’s obviously never been a cheerleader.” With much dignity, I responded; “I am a cheerleader of the HEART!”
After the workout, I decided to go to the store and get some plants to plant in my yard. As I was driving home looking forward to my planting, I called my other friend to share the exciting news with her. Knowing well that I have never planted in my life, and furthermore KILLED every plant I’ve ever owned, she said; “Let’s face it, you only grow people!”
My very real and present needs to stay fit and healthy, as well as having a soothing-outdoor-atmosphere where I can focus on my writing and also invite friends, have driven me to step out of my comfort zone! Reaching out and believing for results I have yet not seen, whether I’m good at it or not, whether I feel like it or not, and whether it seems impossible or not, I press onward to the blessings that God will bring forth from it!
Many times, I’ve been criticized for taking God’s Word to my core, clinging to it and depending on it with my whole being. But my soul knows well that through my 53-year life journey, I have experienced great pain, hardships, disappointments, loss and illness. Therefore, soaking myself in God’s presence, eating the right foods, working out, being mindful in creating an atmosphere of peace, and pursuing fellowship with relationships that will challenge and sharpen my faith, are simply my “non-negotiables!” I cannot afford to let my guard down, because when I do, things become out of order and then suffer the consequences.
The struggle is huge and very real, but the Great One Who lives in me is bigger! I may fall and experience some things in the process, but He has never left me there and He never will! He uses everything that I go through to make me stronger and more like Him.
For me, personally, striving for wholeness and well-being means partnering with my Creator. I have a very passionate personality and don’t really know how to give just a part of me, so like the bleeding woman in Mark 5, I tend to approach Jesus expecting Him to add His SUPER to my natural. He has always traded me beauty for ashes, given me new mercies every morning, strength, peace and joy that surpass all understanding in the midst of chaos.
Bottom line, wholeness and wellness is taking responsibility in a process of seeking His beautiful exchange, one day at a time, intimately and desperately, (body, mind, and soul and spirit)… and sharing it!
“You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your strength, and all your mind. And, Love your neighbor as yourself"
“Do this and you will live!”
Luke 10:25-28
