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This blog is part of an ongoing series that answers an intriguing question: What might it mean for older adults to claim that they are still “fearfully and wonderfully made?”

The next time you think your body is not all that amazing, try one of these ideas for an up-close look at yourself. When you’re finished with any of these tasks, you might find yourself regaining an appreciation of the working wonders of your body!

• Find your magnifying glass, and look close at some part of your body that you don’t often think about. The back or palm of your hand, a knuckle, your skin. Look closely to see what’s still remarkable: The way blood vessels cling to your bones, the way a joint moves or the ways tiny wrinkles line up like pieces of art!
• Flex an arm or ankle, a leg or wrist. Move that appendage in every direction it will go. Look at how many things you can do with just that one body part!
• The next time you have something to eat, pay attention to what happens as you chew. How your teeth, tongue and jaw work together to change chunks of food into digestible fuel for your entire body.
• Make faces in your mirror! All kinds of them—just like when you were a kid! What feelings or ideas do the working parts of your face communicate to others?
• The next time you exercise, slow it way down and be conscious of all the muscles, tendons, arteries and bones that are working together to make movement possible.

Sure, your body doesn’t work like it did when you were younger, but you still have reason to be astounded and encouraged by even the smallest ways in which your body’s systems work well. Individually and collectively, they keep you perceptive, grateful and maybe even graceful. Even if your capacities are diminished, you are still capable!

Up close, you’re an amazing creature of God!

 

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About the author

Bob Sitze

BOB SITZE has filled the many years of his lifework in diverse settings around the United States. His calling has included careers as a teacher/principal, church musician, writer/author, denominational executive staff member and meat worker. Bob lives in Wheaton, IL.

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By Bob Sitze

Bob Sitze

BOB SITZE has filled the many years of his lifework in diverse settings around the United States. His calling has included careers as a teacher/principal, church musician, writer/author, denominational executive staff member and meat worker. Bob lives in Wheaton, IL.

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